Kidapawan Muay Thai boxers win gold in Butuan tourney
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Muay Thai boxers from Kidapawan City made its presence felt in the Mindanao leg of Philippine championships recently in Butuan City.
The Kidapawan athletes hauled three gold, four silver and a bronze in the Mindanao leg Muay Thai Association of the Philippines championships with 11 teams from across the island participating.
Literally Thai boxing, the Muay Thai is a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. It is known as the “art of eight limbs” as it is characterized by the athlete using his fists, elbows, knees and shins combined.
The Kidapawan City team ranked 5th from 11 participating local government units. It was represented by athletes from Kidapawan City National High School and Alternative Learning System (ALS) Kidapawan.
Boxers Sofrino John Pepugal, Christian Jay Boquerin and Jhoniel Aquino brought home gold medals while Chris Wilfred Dellona, Felix Alfonso Bilbao, Christian Nudalo and Vince Galon took silver medals.
Bronze medal winner was Carl Pajes.
Kidapawan Mayor Joseph Evangelista presented and honored the athletes during the Monday morning convocation program.
Evangelita said the athletes who brought honors for the city were among the members of “One Team, One City One Goal Sports Development Program” of Kidapawan City government.
The mayor also honored team coaches Sifu Ritchies Solano and Ramel Eting.