HOMEGROWN ATHLETE. A Muay Thai boxer from Kidapawan City (blue jersey) prepares to attack an opponent from Tagum City during the July 9-13, 2019 Muay Thai Mindanao leg championship held in Butuan City. (Photo courtesy of Kidapawan CIO)
KIDAPAWAN CITY — Mayor Joseph Evangelista honored Monday the homegrown athletes who competed in the recent Mindanao leg of the Muay Thai Philippine Championships held in Butuan City.
“They made their presence felt during the July 9-13 Muay Thai tournament in Butuan City,” the mayor said during Monday morning’s convocation program at the city hall grounds.
The Kidapawan athletes hauled three gold, four silver, and a bronze medal in the Mindanao leg of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines tournament with 11 competing teams from across the island.
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-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. Athlete Carl Pajes, meanwhile, took home a bronze medal.
Evangelista 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. (PNA)
