Philippine representatives of this year’s Karatedo Goju-Kai Asia Pacific Championship secured second place in the overall rankings as they bagged 82 medals in Cebu. These Filipino athletes won 19 gold medals, 26 silver medals, and 37 bronze medals, just short by four gold medals from the Indonesian team with 23 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 21 bronze medals. Meanwhile, the Japanese team was not far behind and landed third place with 17 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals.
The Karatedo Goju-Kai Championships is a three-day competition from September 27 to October 1. The first-ever, country-hosted event was held at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, where 500 young athletes from 18 different countries across Asia Pacific meet, including Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Korea.
At the opening ceremony, President of International Karatedo Goju-Kai Association (IKGA), Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, graced the prestigious tournament and performed Kata to the participants and teams.
In partnership with leading beverage brand MILO, the International Karatedo Goju-Kai Championships, organized by the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK), continues to inspire Filipinos of all ages to become champions on and off the court.
“We are proud to be a partner of AAK, who has done diligent work in advancing Karatedo in the Philippines,” said Lester P. Castillo, MILO Sports Manager. “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.”
New Faces Dominate
The high-stake international meet drummed up the intensity of the competition, as new faces dominated this year’s championships and easily became the crowd’s favorite.
MILO AAK Karate Program alumni Momo Sanvictores and partner Bash Mañalac won the hearts of many spectators when they ruled the 12 to 14 age category. Both athletes were originally slated to compete in the 9 to 11 age category but their skills proved to be much more advanced that they qualified to a higher level competition. After exhibiting their skills, talent, and passion on the mat, Sanvictores and Mañalac emerged victorious and each took home silver medals.
"I am happy to bag the silver medal and represent the Philippines in this international meet,” said Momo Sanvictores. “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.”
Expressing his elation on his son’s victory, Momo’s dad Raymond Sanvictores said, “To see your son excel in a martial art sport that requires discipline, respect and perseverance is truly fulfilling as a parent. Momo has come a long way with this sport, and I have seen him grow not just as an athlete, but also as a person. The attitude he has displayed in all types of situations is truly admirable and remarkable for his age, and that is attributed to the values he had learned from playing Karatedo all his life.”
Karatedo Goju-Kai’s Bright Future in the Philippines
Adding to the tournament’s prestige and esteem, this year’s Karatedo Goju-Kai Asia Pacific Championship also served as a testing ground to screen potential athletes for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The Karatedo community is optimistic that the sport will continue to gain popularity in the Philippines and more athletes of all ages will get into the sport.
“This year’s event was well publicized through social media accounts which is why we have a good number of spectators this year. With partners like MILO, we are confident that we will see more Filipino athletes across all age groups to get into Karate and lead a healthier lifestyle,” Richard Lim, Branch Chief, IKGA Philippines and Karate Pilipinas President.
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