Young Muay Thai athletes from Benguet brought home 10 gold, five silver, and one bronze medals in the recently-held Muay Thai Championships in Olongapo City.
Team Benguet emerged the second overall champion trailing Taytay, Rizal Muay Thai team, with a lone gold medal ahead in the Luzonwide competition.
The 10 gold medalists are Renson Cornel, Ronaldo Dominguez, Roldan Lingbanan, Ryan Joe Bestre, Blane Comicho, Erexter Taligan, Sarah Garwageo, Pennylope Padcayan, Vhiko Mark Alhado, and Michael Rimando.
The silver medalists are Angel Manalo, Art Getrex Potingan, Chad Mayos, Levi Dawaton, and Audrel Kitz Daniel, while the bronze medalist is Shiander Alley Casel.
A total of 18 provinces took part in the event that also served as training for members of the Muay Thai national team, who are preparing for various competitions this year.
Team Benguet coach Zaidi Laruan said his fighters are now preparing for the national games this November.
There is no venue and dates set yet but trainings especially for the medalists who won in the regionals game are continuing, said Laruan, who also trains the members of the Muay Thai national team.
Laruan, who is being assisted by Jun Benito, said the team is composed of martial artists from different groups, namely Team Lakay, Kafagway MMA, Faith Fitness Center, Muay Boran, and Evolution. The team training is at the Benguet State University, which partnered with the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines to be its training ground for the national team members, who are mostly from the Cordillera. – Ofelia C. Empian
