Cordillera’s top Muay Thai female athlete Islay Erika Bomogao made history as the first Filipino female fighter to become a world champion.
Bomogao, a young veteran in international Muay Thai competitions, ruled the 45-kilogram of the senior elite female to win the gold in the combat side of the IFMA Senior World Championships 2023 held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 3 to 14.
The daughter of Baguio Councilor Benny Bomogao has outdueled her much taller opponents from different countries in the quarterfinals up to the finals.
The Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) was quick to spread the good news for all Filipinos around the world to know.
“We are incredibly proud to announce that Islay Erika Bomogao has made history by becoming the first Filipina Muaythai World Champion at the 2023 IFMA Senior World Championship,” MAP announced in its official social media account.
“Her dedication and hard work have paid off, and she has proven that Filipinos are a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports,” it added.
MAP added Bomogao has been an inspiration to young women who aspire to be Muaythai world champion.
“With her remarkable skills and unwavering determination, she has shattered the glass ceiling and made a name for herself on the world stage. She has truly set the bar high for female athletes everywhere, showing that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible,” MAP added in a statement.
MAP also announced other members of the national squad secured medals in the same tournament.
Rhichien Yosorez and Allysa Kylie Mallari won gold in the under 23 female mai thai while April Joy Lamadrid clinched a silver in the under 23 female wai kru.
Also silver medalists were Adelle Vinscent Rosales and LJ Rafael Yasay in the under 23 male mai muay while Yasay also won bronze in the senior male combat 51-kg. – Harley F. Palangchao
