The Muaythai Association of the Philippines hopes to do well and contribute to the success of the country in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
By doing well, MAP means “winning at least four of the nine gold medals at stake" in the biennial competition scheduled Nov. 30-Dec.11.
“There’s no doubt we will do well (in the SEA Games). Walang duda diyan na kaya natin,”said MAP secretary-general Pearl Managuelod during the 35th “Usapang Sports” presented by the Tabloids Organization Philippine Sports at the National Press Club in Intramuros.
“Sigurado ako we will have medals in all nine events in the SEA Games, pero sa gold hindi ko masasabi,” added Managuelod, who is taking a break in her Sports Psychology studies at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
Managuelod, however, did not reveal the names of the muaythai athletes, who will most likely win gold medals for the country. “Baka ma-scout tayo ng mga kalaban.”
Managuelod is also very confident about the future of muaythai in the country under the leadership of his father, Ret. Gen. Lucas Managuelod.
She claimed a vibrant and strong program is in place in muaythai since 2014.
“We are very strong,very aggressive in our grassroots development program. May regional championships, may national championships kami. 'Yung mga chapters namin around the country are also very active on their own,” said Managuelod in the forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Commuity Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.
Added Managuelod: “Madami kaming nire-recruit for our national team. In fact, we have 12 new athletes in our developmental team this year. Very strong ang muaythai team ngayon. Talagang hahasain namin sila. Very soon we will see the results.”
Asked about the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, Managuelod admitted the team did not perform well.
“In 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, there were only five events and we were able to get only one bronze medal. But in other international events, we always won medals," she said.
Managuelod, who graduated from the University of the Philippines, also takes pride in attracting more women to join muaythai since 2014.
“We’re actually concentrating on the development of our female athletes. Last March, we started with the Women’s Martial Arts and Sports Festival. Madami na talaga nagkaka-interest na pumasok, ako noong 2014. Nakikita nila na hindi lang ito pang-lalaki,” explained Managuelod.
“Two years ago, sumama ako sa training camp ng team. Very intense talaga ang training kaya malaki ang respeto ko sa mga athletes natin.”
Managuelod lauded the Philippine Sports Commission for creating the Philippine Sports Institute.
“Ang maganda kay (PSC Chairman Butch) Ramirez is he created PSI. Merong group of psychologists at nakikita kong natutulungan naman talaga ang mga athletes. Skills-wise, nandu'n na tayo. Ang kulang na lang 'yung sa mental part,” said Managuelod.
Of the 11 SEA countries, only East Timor is not competing in muaythai.
Also present during the weekly session shown on Facebook live via Glitter Livestream were four-time SEA Games boxing champion Josie Gabuco and two-time Southeast Asian Tour darts champion Lovely Mae Orbeta.