Philippine Muay fighters showed their readiness for the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games, winning 10 medals, including three golds in the recent East Asian Muaythai Championships in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Colleen Saddi and Jenelyn Olsim came up strong against local opponents in the women’s 48 and 54 kgs., respectively, while Ariel Lee Lampacan defeated Yu Xi Chen of ChineseTaipei in the men’s 54 kgs. as the nationals matched their medal haul in last year’s edition.
Saddi won over Hoi Ni Heley Chan, while Olsim beat Ching Yee Tsang.
“We are very happy with the results, but I know that Team Bagsik can do better. And that’s what we promise the Filipino people in the coming SEA Games. We will dominate the opponents and show no mercy,” said Pearl Managuelod, secretary general of MuayThai Association of the Philippines. “Last year, sweep din namin ‘yung 10 events, lahat ng fighters natin nag-uwi ng medalya.”
Other finalists who came up short were Islay Erika Bomogao in the women’s 45 kgs.; Philip Delarmino in the men’s 57 kgs.; Hanzel Bilog in the 60 kgs.; Ryan Jakiri in the 63 kgs. and Jerry Olsim in the 71 kgs.
Newcomer Sid Anthony Capuchino and Liane Benito made it to the podium in the men’s 51 kgs. and women’s 51 kgs. classes, respectively.
“There’s no doubt we will do well in the SEA Games. ‘Yung preparation at motivation ng ating mga fighters almost nasa peak na in time for the coming biennial meet in November,” said Managuelod, a Sports Psychology graduate at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
National coach Onmula Yllib was awarded ‘Best Coach’ by the organizers of the tourney, which attracted athletes from nine countries.
