Ngarchamayong Cultural Center, Palau (June 30, 2025) — Palau’s wrestling campaign hit new heights at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games as 16-year-old Raiden Hobson Decherong dominated the men’s freestyle 60 kg bracket, clinching the gold medal with a commanding technical superiority victory over Saipan’s Vincent Palacios, 12-1.
Decherong displayed textbook takedowns, crisp mat control and relentless pressure in Match 52 to assert his supremacy. The win marks a breakthrough performance for the rising star, who demonstrated composure and advanced technique well beyond his years.
Earlier in the day, fellow Palauan wrestler Filimoto Carter added to the medal count with a silver in the men’s freestyle 92 kg division. Carter battled through a competitive field in Match 23, executing strong defensive sprawls before settling for second place in a hard-fought final.
The back-to-back podium finishes are a major statement for Palau’s wrestling program, which continues to develop a reputation for producing technically sound and fiercely competitive athletes.
With momentum building and confidence running high, Palau’s wrestlers now set their sights on future international meets, buoyed by a pair of well-earned medals on home soil. (By: Eustoria Marie Borja)