Davao's Chino Sy Tancontian Caps UAAP Career with Fifth Gold Medal in Judo
Davao City's very own Chino Sy Tancontian concluded his collegiate athletic journey in spectacular fashion, securing the men's -100kg gold medal at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 judo tournament. The event unfolded at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, April 11, marking a triumphant finale for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers standout.
Dominant Performance and Emotional Farewell
Tancontian delivered a masterclass in judo excellence, winning all his matches via ippon—the highest score in the sport. He swiftly dispatched Sian Constantine Guevarra of De La Salle University in a mere 32 seconds during the opening round. In a stunning display of skill, he then overwhelmed his own UST teammate, Jeordan Caguicla, in just eight seconds, showcasing his technical prowess and competitive edge.
The 25-year-old athlete described the victory as both fulfilling and emotional, reflecting on his UAAP journey. "Masaya na malungkot kasi ito 'yung competition na yearly naming inaabangan. Iba siya kasi kahit individual sport ang judo, sa UAAP team championship ang mahalaga. 'Yun ang mamimiss ko, yung suporta ng buong team (I feel both happy and sad because this is the competition we look forward to every year. It's different—while judo is an individual sport, the team championship matters in the UAAP. That's what I'll miss most—the support of the whole team)," he shared in an interview with SunStar Davao.
Decorated Collegiate Career and Team Triumph
Tancontian's gold medal caps a remarkable UAAP stint that spanned from senior high school to college, from 2017 to 2026. His achievements include:
- Five gold medals—one in the juniors division and four in the seniors division.
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors in UAAP Seasons 80 and 85.
- A pivotal role in UST's historic sweep of all divisions in the Season 88 judo tournament.
He expressed immense joy at ending his collegiate career with both a personal gold and a team championship. "Sobrang saya ko na matapos ang journey ko with a gold and a championship for UST. Malaki ang naitulong ng UST sa akin (I'm very happy to finish my journey with a gold and a championship for UST. The university has helped me a lot). It gave me purpose and motivation to become better and represent the school at my best," Tancontian added.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
In a separate conversation with The Varsitarian, Tancontian extended his gratitude to UST for the opportunities provided. "I'm very thankful to UST for giving me the chance to represent the school. UAAP is one of the biggest leagues for us. This is where we test how we grow as athletes," he stated.
With his collegiate chapter now complete, Tancontian has set his sights on the international stage. His future plans include:
- Focusing on improving his world ranking in judo.
- Competing in international tournaments to gain more experience.
- Pursuing a coveted spot in the 2028 Olympics, aiming to represent the Philippines on the global platform.
This victory not only solidifies Tancontian's legacy as one of UAAP's judo greats but also sets the stage for his promising future in the sport, as he transitions from collegiate champion to aspiring Olympian.
