Jamal Rahmat Pandi in action at the Palarong Pambansa 2024, where he clinched the gold medal in the Secondary Boys badminton category. (Photo courtesy of DepEd Philippines)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Master Smasher, Jamal Rahmat “JR” Pandi of Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur, has reaffirmed his dominance in badminton by securing the gold medal in the Secondary Boys category at the Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Pandi, 16, a student at Ragayan National High School and a proud Maranao, defeated Lovic Javier of Western Visayas on July 15, at the Metro Sports Center in Cebu.
After winning a silver medal at the 13th ASEAN School Games last June, Pandi faced high expectations.
“I was under a little bit of pressure because I was thinking too much outside the court, and of course my opponent was also with me in the tournament outside, so the pressure was there that I couldn’t lose,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Pandi is committed to his sport and aims to win gold at the international level.
“I hope to become a champion in the international [tournament]. Because my highest is still silver, so I want to get gold again for the Philippines,” he said.
Last playing year as Junior, he is eligible in the next 2025 Games in Brunei Darussalam when he will be Grade 12.
“We are looking forward towards that opportunity to elevate our success,” coach Maylin Canillo said.
“Hopefully, this setback should have sharpened his skills and mental preparedness in time for the next ASEAN Schools Games,” his coach added.
This win is important for BARMM, marking their second gold medal at the Palarong Pambansa 2024. The first gold was won by Joeharry Bones in Taekwondo Secondary Boys Category 5.
The Bangsamoro region bagged a total of 18 medals with six gold, five silver, and seven bronze. The next Palarong Pambansa will be held in Ilocos Norte. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from DepEd Philippines)
