Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan, who represented the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is already setting her sights on the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. Despite a recent setback due to a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in her left knee, Catantan is determined to return to the sport stronger than ever, with the support of her family and corporate backers like Eastern Communications.
Catantan’s aspirations for the 2025 SEA Games are particularly meaningful, as she hopes to team up with her sisters, Ysah and Sophie, who are also fencers. The trio aims to compete together on the national stage, a dream that has fueled Catantan’s resolve to recover from her injury.
“That’s our dream, us sisters to play together in the SEA Games. If things go as planned, I will be ready for the event coming back from the injury,” according to Catantan, whose support from the private sector continues to grow as Eastern Communications, a premier telecommunications and ICT solutions provider in the country, is backing her as she goes through recovery and training.
Catantan’s courage and determination have resonated with many Filipinos, including key sports figures such as Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino. Her performance marked the first time in 32 years that a Filipino fencer competed in the Olympics, a milestone that has reignited interest in the sport in the Philippines.
As Catantan embarks on her recovery and rehabilitation journey, she draws strength from the support of Eastern Communications, a leading telecommunications and ICT solutions provider in the country. The company has been instrumental in supporting Filipino athletes and is committed to empowering the next generation of sports talents through various initiatives, including grassroots programs and sponsorships.
Looking ahead to the 2025 SEA Games, Catantan remains optimistic about her chances of competing alongside her sisters. “The next SEA Games is December 2025, that’s 16 months from now. Considering the recovery period I had when I first tore my ACL — eight months — so I’m confident I’ll be ready for the SEA Games in Thailand,” she said.
As she prepares for her comeback, Catantan’s journey is a testament to resilience, and with continued support from Eastern Communications, she is poised to inspire and lead the future of Filipino fencing.