THE Philippines extended its remarkable run in combat sports as Filipino Muay Thai athletes brought home six medals—two golds, three silvers, and one bronze—at the 2024 IFMA Asian Open Invitation Cup in Taipei City, Taiwan.
The first gold medal came from Ejay Galendez, who captured the top spot in the U23 male -60kg division following a narrow 29-28 victory against Thailand’s Sonthaya Phophet.
Floryvic Montero, 29, delivered the Philippines’ second gold in the senior female elite -51kg category. Montero showcased a commanding performance with a 30-27 win over Hong Kong’s Hoi Ting Lam. The victory made Montero the first Filipina to ever win the IFMA Muaythai Asian Open Cup.
LJ Rafael Yasay added to the medal tally, securing silver in the Combat Elite Male -51kg division. Despite his strong showing, Yasay was edged out by a seasoned Vietnamese opponent in the final match.
Two additional silvers came from Leo Albert Pangsadan, 21, and Mathew Blane Comicho, 18. Pangsadan lost by a razor-thin 9-10 margin to Hong Kong’s Chung Ho So in the senior male elite -48kg final.
Meanwhile, Comicho fought valiantly, but was defeated 18-20 by Thailand’s Warantorn Sueaphet in the U23 male -67kg division.
Rounding out the Philippine medal haul, Eunicka Kaye Costales earned a bronze after her match against Mongolia’s Enkhbaatar Ariunzaya.
This impressive performance by Team Bagsik follows other successful campaigns by Filipino athletes across various combat sports, including sambo, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial
