PHL Embassy hosts ASEAN Table Tennis Tournament in Riyadh

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh hosted this year’s ASEAN Table Tennis Tournament held recently at the Philippine Chancery, winning the men’s singles event.
The 8 diplomatic missions of ASEAN countries in Riyadh organize year-round sports tournaments where each member country sponsors at least one event for the year. On April 29, Myanmar Embassy hosted the lady golf putting tournament in parallel to golf tournament on same date organized by the Thai Embassy, held at the Dirab Golf & Country Club on the outskirts of Riyadh. On May 2, Malaysia hosted dart competition at its chancery inside the Diplomatic Quarter. Indonesia organized a new event — singing competition — held at its chancery on May 10.
During the awarding ceremony of the table tennis tournament, Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago thanked the seven ambassadors for their attendance and participation. Tago added that one of the objectives of the ARSSC competitions is to promote the ASEAN community as a united family.
Handsome crystal trophies were awarded to the champions, first runner-up and second runner-up in the three events namely men’s and ladies singles, and doubles event.
The Philippines’ Eman Galvez, son of the Embassy’s communication officer Emmanuel Galvez, defended his championship trophy against a strong challenger from Indonesia who settled for first runner-up. For the ladies category Indonesia took the championship, while Brunei and Malaysia clinched the first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
In the doubles event, the duo of Philippine Labor Attaché Abet Valenciano and Welfare Officer Boy Rodrigo did not survive the tandem of Singapore for second runner-up. For the championship trophy, Indonesia beat Myanmar who settled for first runner-up.
The ASEAN sports activities are organized by the ASEAN Social and Sports Committee in Riyadh, which is under the ASEAN Riyadh Committee composed of the heads of missions of ASEAN missions in Saudi Arabia. The current chair of the ASEAN Riyadh Committee is the ambassador of Singapore. The Philippines served as chair of the committee right before the term of Singapore.