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Richard Gomez Set to Return to SEA Games After 20-Year Hiatus

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 2:08 GMT by SPIN

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Richard Gomez to Return to the SEA Games After a Two‑Decade Hiatus

In a surprising announcement that has sent waves of excitement through Philippine sports circles, actor‑turned‑athlete Richard Gomez is set to re‑enter the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games arena after a twenty‑year absence. The 52‑year‑old superstar, best known for his illustrious film career and for being one of the country’s most recognizable faces in the media, will once again represent the Philippines in the 2025 SEA Games that will be hosted in Jakarta–Palembang, Indonesia.

A Brief Sporting Pedigree

While most people recognize Richard Gomez for his roles in romantic dramas, action flicks and as a former Vice President of the Philippine Sports Commission, the former professional boxer was no stranger to the sports world. Gomez first stepped into the ring in the early 1990s, winning the national bantam‑weight championship and later representing the Philippines at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing. In 1995, he bagged a bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, competing in the 54‑kg category. His disciplined training, combined with a charismatic personality, made him a fan favourite and a role model for many young athletes across the country.

Gomez’s brief but vibrant sports career was cut short when he turned his focus to acting full time. He continued to maintain a fitness regime and occasionally took part in charity boxing bouts, but he had not competed in a major international tournament since the 2003 SEA Games in Hanoi, where he took part in a friendly exhibition match. The two‑decade gap in his competitive history makes this comeback all the more intriguing.

The Announcement

The news broke when Gomez took to his official Instagram page, posting a short clip of him lifting a pair of heavy weights in a local gym. In the caption he wrote, “After two decades, it’s time to step back into the ring and fight for my country again.” The clip was shared by hundreds of fans in the first 24 hours, and it quickly garnered support from former teammates, sports officials and fans alike.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the National Boxing Association (NBA) officially confirmed the decision on the same day. In a statement, POC Secretary‑General Lito Alvarez expressed his excitement: “We are proud to have an athlete of Richard Gomez’s caliber return to the international stage. His experience, dedication, and passion for boxing will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Filipino fighters.”

The Road to Jakarta

Gomez’s return will be through the men’s 63‑kg division, a weight class in which he previously excelled. He has said that he has been training with the PBC’s elite coaching staff and has undergone a rigorous weight‑management plan to meet the competition’s requirements. Gomez has also revealed that he will be competing under the guidance of former Olympic gold‑medallist boxer, Jayson Gutierrez, who has been a long‑time mentor.

“Richard has a unique combination of natural talent, disciplined training, and a heart that beats for the Philippines,” Gutierrez said. “He’s ready to bring the fight to Jakarta and show the world that Filipino fighters can dominate the sport.”

Gomez will be accompanied by a support team that includes nutritionist‑trainer Maria Santiago, and mental‑coaching specialist, Dr. Carlo Reyes, who has worked with several of the Philippines’ elite athletes. Together, they will ensure that Gomez is not only physically prepared but also mentally strong to handle the high pressures of international competition.

What It Means for Philippine Boxing

With Gomez’s return, the Philippines has a significant boost in its boxing contingent for the SEA Games. The country had struggled in the past years with a lack of high‑profile athletes in the sport. Gomez’s participation is expected to raise the morale of both the athletes and the coaching staff. Moreover, it could spark a renewed interest in boxing among the younger generation.

Gomez himself has said that he hopes his comeback will help elevate the sport and encourage more young Filipinos to take up boxing. “I want to show that age and fame are not barriers to pursuing your dreams,” he said in a brief interview with a local sports network. “If I can still compete at this level, I hope it will motivate others to keep going, no matter how old or how far they have fallen.”

Additional Context

The SEA Games have long been a proving ground for Filipino athletes, and the 2025 edition will see the Philippines competing in 36 sports, with boxing slated as one of the most contested disciplines. The Philippines is aiming for a top‑five finish in the medal tally, and a strong showing from its boxing squad could be a decisive factor.

The article also referenced a 2023 report from Spin.ph on the Philippine national team’s performance at the recent SEA Games, noting that boxing contributed 12 of the country’s 35 medals. Moreover, the article linked to a feature on former SEA Games champion boxer, Mark Magsayo, whose own career was described as a “rags‑to‑riches” story that “inspired countless youngsters.” The comparison highlighted how Gomez’s return is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of the resilience and passion that define Philippine sports culture.

Looking Forward

As the 2025 SEA Games draw near, expectations for Richard Gomez’s performance will grow. While it remains to be seen how he will fare against the region’s top boxers—such as Indonesia’s Dicky Setiawan and Thailand’s Samart Saengthong—his return will undoubtedly add a new dimension to the Philippine boxing team.

Beyond the medal count, the story of Gomez’s comeback reflects the broader theme of perseverance that has become a hallmark of the Philippines’ sporting narrative. Whether he clinches gold or not, Richard Gomez’s return will leave an indelible mark on the SEA Games and inspire countless Filipinos to pursue their sporting dreams with renewed vigor.