Manila: A nine-year-old Filipino karateka emerged victorious in his first international tournament, bagging a gold medal at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship and Training Camp in Hangzhou, China from July 22-26. Romeo Viktor Enriquez of Fight Alliance Sports Team (FAST)-ISKF, coached by national team coach and former Karate Pilipinas national team captain Engene Dagohoy, dominated the Under-10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) category to clinch the gold medal. Enriquez also finished in the Top 5 of the Under-10 Male Kata.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dagohoy, a SEA Games medalist, expressed pride in the young athletes, stating, 'We are proud to share that our young Filipinos have represented our country well in this Asian tournament.' In addition to Enriquez's success, 13-year-old Raphael Mariano Herrera continued his strong international run by capturing a bronze medal in the Under-14 Male Kata, marking his second bronze in the Asian championship.
Ten-year-old Ripley Borromeo also turned in a strong performance, finishing in the Top 5 of the Under-12 Female Kata and the Top 7 in the same event. Completing the FAST-ISKF delegation were Ellis Canoza (age 11) and Colin Paolo (age 10). The teams were supported by major sponsors and supporters, including Hello Money, Toby's Sports, Homeschool Global Philippines, TLC, Trainstation, Inc., Namayan Digital, Inc., Edgardo Canoza Jr., the Office of Senator Chiz Escudero, Socorro Castros, Moona Ko, Peter Tanchi Jr., Kenno Yao, Claudette Santiago, Sheena Jane Lim, Margaux Lim, and Janel Kalaw.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Wifredo Apelledo of AAKR Karatedo successfully defended his title by winning back-to-back gold medals in the Under-12 Male Kata and claimed the silver medal in the Under-12 Male Kumite (-45 kg). Joining the AAKR delegation was Ysabella Arwen Varias. The teams also acknowledged the support of their partners: Lightwater, the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, Joyce Santiago, Sari Lazaro-Tiu, Riva Galveztan, and Rubee J. Alcantara.
FAST-ISKF has emerged as one of the brightest karatedo teams in the country over the past few years, with its athletes achieving success in both international and national tournaments.
