The Philippine Muay Thai team showed world-class performance in the recent 2023 World Combat Games after all its athletes brought home medals from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The pair of Rhichein Yosorez and Alyssa Kylie Mallari shone brightest as they topped the Mixed Mai Muay to win the gold medal in the female category, while their male counterparts, Phillip Delarmino and Ariel Lee Lampacan bagged the silver.
Bemedalled lady Wai Kru athlete Islay Erika Bomogao unraveled a presentation worthy of a silver medal, while combat athlete Rudzma Abubakar also clinched the silver in the women’s 48-kg category.
Abubakar fought twice in a day and split her matches, bowing to a Thailand bet and winning over an opponent from Ukraine. She lost the gold to the same Thai rival in the final.
“Our athletes showcased their immense talent, dedication, and resilience, making our nation proud. Let’s celebrate their remarkable accomplishments and look forward to more victories in the future,” said the official Muay Thai Association of the Philippines on its official page.
The Muay athletes, collectively known as Bagsik, are preparing for the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games slated in February next year in Thailand.
Muay Thai is one of the combat sports to be contested in the quadrennial games, along with kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and others.
MAP is headed by its president, former police officer Gen. Lucas Managuelod, who also has been teaching muay thai to enforcement officers in their battle against drugs, among his prime agenda.
