Knee injury forces Kath Arado to make difficult decision to withdraw from SEA Games
Kath Arado. PHOTO PVL
MANILA, Philippines — Kath Arado, libero of the Philippines women’s volleyball team, was heartbroken after her sudden withdrawal from the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia due to a left knee injury. .
Arado, the top libero in the All-Philippine Premier Volleyball League conference, has revealed that she played with a swollen knee in the PLDT semi-final series against Petro Gazz.
Arado, who was injured after diving on the LED board to save the ball in Game 2, said her MRI showed she needed to recover and strengthen, which led her to withdrawal from the national team.
“Kakalabas lang din po kasi ng MRI ko and sabi din ng doctor ko need reinforcement ko ng pahinga tsaka. Kailangan daw agapan agad kasi pag nag worst baka daw turukan tuhod ko. Sobrang na takot ako kaya nag decide management na ipahinga ko muna to magpagaling for a long term din,” the PLDT star told Inquirer Sports.
(My MRI just came out and the doctor said I need to rest and strengthen my knee. It could get worse so I need to warn [aggravating]. I’m scared so the management and I decided to recover first for my long term [career].)
Withdrawing from the Games was a difficult decision for Arado, who was due to play in his third consecutive SEA Games.
“I’m so sad. I cried when I decided to leave the national team. But I realized that I didn’t want to waste the opportunity and the confidence of the team by not playing 100% “, said Arado in Filipino. “It would be unfair to others who deserve my place and can perform 100 per cent.”
Arado retains her faith in Kyla Atienza and her replacement Bang Pineda, who she believes will help the team in the biennial encounter.
“Without a doubt, Ate Bang and Ate Kyla will perform. They are both talented and I know they will do anything to help the team win. It was evident in the games that they are both strong,” she said.
The national team, led by captain Alyssa Valdez, will fly to Japan on Thursday for a 15-day training camp in Himeji.
The Eastern University star wishes all the best to the national team, who are eager to end an 18-year medal drought.
“Besides the wins, I want an injury-free campaign for the players so they can perform 100% in training and matches,” Arado said.
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