iKalinga Fighter Jean Claude Saclag wins bronze in 2025 SEA Games, dedicates medal to country, family, and sick daughter

Tabuk City, Kalinga – iKalinga fighter Jean Claude Saclag is no stranger to the Southeast Asian Games, but his participation in this year’s event marked a special moment in his sporting career. He was not only fighting for the Philippine flag; he was also throwing kicks and punches in the ring for his daughter, who was confined in the hospital.

Saclag, a three-time SEA Games gold medalist, is one of the 1,500 Philippine delegates in the 33rd SEA Games currently being held in Thailand from December 9 to 20. On December 11, Saclag entered the ring for the Mixed Martial Arts – Men’s Modern 65kg event, where he secured a bronze medal.

Following his match, Saclag admitted that he was not in peak condition for the competition, as his focus was on his daughter, who underwent heart surgery at the Philippine Heart Center a week before his SEA Games bout.

“Kulang ang naging paghahanda ko dahil inuna namin ang kalusugan ng anak namin na naoperahan sa puso sa Philippine Heart Center noong nakaraang linggo. Bilang magulang, iyon ang pinakamabigat at pinakamahirap na sitwasyong hinarap ko bago sumabak sa kompetisyon,” he shared in a Facebook post. He also credited his wife for encouraging him to compete despite not being fully prepared for the multi-sport event.

Saclag went on to thank the Creator, his coaches, teammates, family, and kailyans for the prayers and overwhelming support they extended to him.

“Ibinigay ko ang lahat ng kaya ko sa laban na ito. Gusto ko sanang makuha ang ika-apat kong gold sa SEA Games, pero bronze ang naiuwi natin ngayon, at buong puso akong nagpapasalamat dahil ibinigay ko ang laban na may dangal, sakripisyo, at pagmamahal. Para sa minamahal kong Pilipinas. Para sa pamilya. Para sa anak ko,” he wrote.

As of Monday morning, December 15, the Philippines has collected 17 gold, 32 silver, and 69 bronze medals in the 33rd SEA Games.