Iran is showing big interest in the country’s national sport of Arnis, that they now have a federation to hasten the sport’s development in their country.
Accompanied by Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation Secretary General Rene Tingson, Ronyll Mendoza, PEKAF Executive Director and Patty Caballero, Samuel Dulay, Gerald Canete, Felipe Abello, Jr., Efren Adresto and Mario Palazuelo (PEKAF Board), Hossein Ezzati, President of Arnis Commission of Iran, visited the Philippine Sports Commission on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
As part of his effort to spread Arnis in Iran and its neighboring countries, Grand Master Ezzati asked PEKAF to give them guidance on the rules and regulations of our national sport.
“We are very much willing to help and we appreciate your coming to the Philippines”, said Canete.
The PEKAF will accompany GM Ezzati in Arnis competitions during their 10-day stay here.
The Iranians have shown huge interest in Arnis in recent years. According to the Iran Arnis Commission, there are increasing number of applicants for membership, especially among the youth.
Grand Master Ezzati plans to spread Arnis in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The PSC and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of Iran have an existing MOU on Sports Cooperation signed last May 2014.