June Mar Fajardo

Cebuano basketball star

CEBU, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo has been named as one of the best Asian athletes of the 21st century by sports website ESPN.

The 34-year-old hardcourt giant from Pinamungajan, Cebu is No.25 in the list.

Fajardo holds a record seven straight Most Valuable Player awards that spiced up his 10 championships in the PBA.

The dominant San Miguel Beer center also played a key role when Gilas Pilipinas won a historic gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year and was part of the Philippine national team that shocked World No. 6 Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament two weeks ago.

“Fajardo’s consistent excellence and influence on Philippine basketball underscore his significant impact on the sport that Filipinos love,” said ESPN.

Fajardo is one of the three Filipinos in the distinguished list that has saw boxing legend Manny Pacquiao securing the top spot.

“He won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, showcasing his versatility and dominance. Pacquiao’s career spanned over three decades, during which he defeated numerous boxing legends,” said the sports media company in recognizing the eight-division world champion as the top Asian athlete of the century.

“Pacquiao’s remarkable achievements and impact on boxing highlight his extraordinary legacy and has now stemmed into a career in politics and as an executive in various sports,” it added.

On the other hand, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is ranked19th best Asian athlete.

The Zamboangeña lifter delivered the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo three years ago.

“Diaz’s dedication and resilience are evident in her journey, overcoming numerous challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport. She has also won multiple medals in the Asian Games and World Championships,” the report said.

“Diaz’s historic achievement and her role in elevating weightlifting in the Philippines are testaments to her exceptional talent and determination.” — (FREEMAN)