FILIPINO athletes who took part in the just-concluded Karatedo Goju-Kai Asia Pacific Championship in Cebu had it solid, churning out a second overall place finish.
Happened at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, the Karatedo Goju-Kai Asia Pacific Championship gathered 500 young athletes from 18 different countries across Asia-Pacific, including Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Korea.
The event, organized by the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK), was done in partnership with beverage brand Milo and geared towards further promoting the sport of karate and character development among the youth.
The Philippines finished second overall in the Championship, bagging 19 gold, 26 silver and 37 bronze medals.
It was just four gold medals short of what overall champion Indonesia had (23-13-21).
Finishing third was Japan with a tally of 17 gold, nine silver and six bronze medals.
Among those who made waves for the Philippines in the tournament were Milo AAK Karate Program alumni Momo Sanvictores and partner Bash Mañalac.
Showing impressive skills sets, the duo easily won the hearts of many spectators when they ruled the 12-to-14 age category.
Originally set to compete in the 9-to-11 age category, Sanvictores and Mañalac were deemed advanced for the grouping and were elevated to the older division.
It did not, however, stunt their competitive drive as they won silver medals for the country.
“I am happy to bag the silver medal and represent the Philippines in this international meet,” said Sanvictores.
Adding, “All challenges are tough so when we got moved to a higher-level competition, I admit that the pressure was also just as high. Bash and I really gave our all in this game and we’re happy we were able to pull it through.”
Seeing a successful staging of Karatedo Goju-Kai Asia Pacific Championship, Milo Sports Manager Lester Castillo said they were very thrilled to have partnered with AAK to further showcase what Filipino athletes can do on the international stage as well as push their mission of building champions not only in sports but also outside of it.
“We are proud to be a partner of AAK, who has done diligent work in advancing Karatedo in the Philippines. Milo provides athletes with the champion energy they need to pursue their ambitions. Programs such as the Karatedo Goju-Kai Championships will help expose our Filipino athletes to international level of competition. It is truly inspiring to see our young athletes lead the charge in international meets such as this and we hope to see them soon in the global stage,” said Mr. Castillo.
Organizers said that Karatedo Goju-Kai Asia Pacific Championship was made all the more significant because it served to screen potential athletes for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
