Paris-bound Fil-Ivorian fencer renews deal with sportswear brand

MANILA, Philippines – Olympic-bound Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban and sportswear giant Anta further strengthened their bond by renewing their partnership in an intimate contract-signing event at the Anta Office in Mandaluyong City on Thursday, May 23.

Esteban, who was with the sportswear brand ever since her colorful days with Ateneo in the UAAP, will continue to become the local ambassador, joining the growing roster of Anta athletes in the country.

Anta Philippines general manager JP Paglinawan underscored Esteban’s world class talent, very driven attitude and passion for the sport which he believed the 23-year-old wunderkind shared with the brand, making it a no-brainer of a decision in keeping her with the ANTA family.

“She's a world class athlete. The partnership we started last 2022 and we are renewing it today not because she's going to the Olympics but because we always believed in her ability, in her jive, in her passion for the sport,” said Paglinawan.

“We see the brand sharing the same values as Maxine. We see Anta as a world class sports industry product and it's very fitting that we have Maxine to represent the brand in the Olympics,” he added.

For Esteban, the signing goes beyond an endorsement deal but rather a renewal of Anta's confidence, trust and pride in her abilities.

“Anta has been my Day 1. They believed in me from the very start since I had nothing. And I'm very thankful for everything that they have done for me. It's not only a renewal of contract but a renewal of confidence and trust in me,” said Esteban.

Esteban will be decked out in Anta fencing footwear when she takes on the best fencers of the world in the Olympics after earning a direct qualification by becoming the top fencer in the singles women’s foil in the African continental zone.

Anta is keen on expanding Esteban’s ambassadorship to the global role especially now that she’s holding a very unique position where she can make an impact and provide inspiration for future athletes in the two countries — the Ivory Coast and the Philippines — that she is representing.

“When I qualified, I received so much support from the Philippines and the Ivory Coast and it was really overwhelming for me and I'm very thankful for. I realized my role is very important kasi from both countries I’m getting so much support and people are looking up to me more,” added Esteban.

Esteban was only in the country for a week and is set to fly back to Germany to continue her training and competitions in preparation for the Paris Games.