Armed with a heart full of passion, Reinjel Viñas, a Grade 12 student from Ichon National High School, secured the first gold medal for Southern Leyte Division at the Eastern Visayas Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet in Eastern Samar on February 24, 2025.
Viñas gave brisk punches in the second round of the final fight, prompting his opponent’s coach to throw in the towel. He said it felt satisfying that his strict training and diet had paid off, resulting in his gold win, which came two years after his first win at the EVRAA Meet in Tacloban City.
According to him he was more confident this time but still felt pressure due to high expectations from his province, school, and family.
In the 2023 Palarong Pambansa, Viñas obtained a silver medal. It was a close fight between him and his fellow finalist from Region 9; however, he lost through a split decision. Now that he has earned another ticket, Viñas said he is ready for a comeback in the Palaro, aiming for the gold medal this time. In a matter of weeks, Viñas will travel to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, for the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.
The young boxer also represented the region in the 2023 Batang Pinoy, bringing home the gold medal. In the semifinals bout, he earned a remarkable 5-0 from the judges. Because of his outstanding performance at the Batang Pinoy National Championship, Viñas was invited to join the Philippine national boxing team.
Reinjel Viñas, or Rj to some, was born in Guinabonan, a mountain barangay in the municipality of Malitbog. At present, he is living with his relatives at Sitio Sumayod in Macrohon. (Jeric Olay)
