THE Philippine karate team bagged 6 golds, a silver, and 16 bronze medals in a dominating performance during the recently concluded 11th Southeast Asian Karate Federation Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.
Providing golden victories were Bashy Mañalac in the 70kgs Cadets Kumite, Joan Denise Lumbao (-59kgs Womens Junior Kumite), Sakura Alforte (Womens Individual Kata), Arianne Brito (+68 U21 Kumite), Alwyn Batican (-75 Men’s Individual Kumite) and Kirk Riverz Zamayla (-55 Men’s U21).
“Winning six gold medals is a fantastic achievement and it’s wonderful to hear that all the players are safe and injury-free,” said Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation president Richard Lim, while thanking the team’s supporters and friends for “your support and prayers undoubtedly contributed to their success.”
“Gives me the chills every time we play the National Anthem in an international championship as if I was the one being awarded. Congratulations Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc. National Athletes for a job well done,” he added.
Lim also congratulated Jamie Christine Lim for her efforts, barely missing the gold and pocketing the silver medal in the women’s -61kg kumite.
The Philippines also bagged bronze medals from different categories courtesy of Jeremy Nopre, Rebecca Torres, Jodan Macalipay, Alexis Nicole Villacarlos, Nathaniel Olivar, Tyler Thomson, Zian Alexander, Jan Michael Lozada, Abdulhakim Abdulrakim, Gianne Amber Delacruz, Arianne Brito, Christian Lachica, the Male Cadets Team Kata, Male Seniors Team Kata and the Female Seniors Team Kumite.
Karate Pilipinas also took pride in its referees “for their outstanding performance, especially in officiating the final rounds. Their selection by the Referee Council underscores the trust and confidence placed in their decision-making abilities.”
Another Filipino technical official, Chino Veguillas, received recognition for his appointment as the SEAKF Referee Council Secretary, adding to the honor garnered by Karate Pilipinas.