Igorota fighter takes down title-holder opponents, snatches 2025 SEA Games gold medal

Mt. Province, Philippines – “Sino ba naman po ako para mapili,” Igorota fighter Zyra Bon-as said, still in disbelief after winning a gold medal and defeating her title-holder opponents at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA) on December 16.

Bon-as, who hails from Mountain Province and is a third-year college student taking a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science at Benguet State University, competed in the Women's Low Kick – 48 kg category and defeated Thailand's Jantakarn Manoban with a 2-1 judges' decision.

Speaking to ONE Sports, the young fighter described herself as the “most underdog” in the competition, noting that her semi-final opponent was a two-time gold medalist in their category, while her final competitor was a Muaythai champion from Thailand. She said these facts made it surprising for her to reach the podium.

“Unang-una po talaga, hindi ko po talaga inexpect na ganito yung magiging resulta kasi I am super underdog dito. My semi-final match was against a two-time gold medalist sa category namin, and my final match was against a Muaythai champion dito sa Thailand. So parang laging may doubt,” she said, adding that she was very nervous in her fights.

“I have doubt po talaga kasi, sino ba naman ako? Sino ba naman po ako para mapili sa isang ganitong event,” she giggled, before sharing advice on the importance of listening to coaches and being flexible in the sport one is practicing.

Benguet State University conveyed their congratulations to Bon-as in a Facebook post on December 16.