PARIS — Tokyo Games silver medalist Carlo Paalam and newcomer Hergie Bacyadan launch their bids in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday (Philippine time) at the North Paris Arena.

Bacyadan, from Tabuk, Kalinga, faces a significant challenge, as she is set to compete against top-seeded Chinese boxer Li Qian in the women’s 75kg round-of-16.

Paalam, meanwhile, will take on the aggressive Jude Gallagher of Ireland in the men’s 57kg round-of-16, a match he cannot afford to take lightly.

The 5-foot-10 Li Qian has a considerable height advantage over the 5-foot-6 Bacyadan, which may aid her in seeking to complete her unfinished business in the Olympics.

Li previously secured a bronze medal in the Rio de Janeiro Games and a silver medal in the COVID-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.

Paalam, who transitioned from flyweight to featherweight, has successfully navigated the adjustments necessary for his new weight class. Both he and Bacyadan are buoyed by the victory of Aira Villegas on Sunday.

Boxing has been a significant source of national pride for the Philippines, contributing 8 of the country’s 15 Olympic medals since first competing 100 years ago in Paris.