Kabalen wins bronze medal in World Shoot 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

STO. TOMAS -- A 17-year-old world-class practical shooter from this town, Diomari Ivan “Dio” Tayag, has brought honor and prestige to his kabalens after placing 3rd in the recently concluded 16th World Shoot held in Rhodes, Greece.

The young Tayag is a member of the Philippine Team who represented the country in the prestigious competition, considered as the Olympic Game in the sports of practical shooting.

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He won the bronze medal in the Production Class–Junior Category (21 below).

The gold medal was won by Andrej Hrnciarik (Slovakia), while the silver medal went to Pavel Torgashov (Russia).

More than 2,000 delegates from 68 countries worldwide competed in the World Shoot XVI 2011, which was held in Greece last October 3 to 9.

The 16-member Philippine Team, who won 7th place in the overall competition, competed in production, modified, standard and open levels.

Tayag, who is a 2nd year Medical Technology student of the Angeles University Foundation (AUF), said he dedicates his medal to the country, his province and his town, adding that he is proud to be a member of the Philippine Team.

Other fellow shooters who also won are Jerome Morales (silver, modified division), Jetro Dionisio (gold, Shoot-Off) and Wilfredo Anglo, (silver, senior category, production).

Tayag, who is a multi-awarded shooter both nationally and internationally, has been a consistent winner in the Junior Division (21 below) since he joined IPSA and PPSA sanctioned competitions, traveling to different provinces in the Philippines and countries around the world.

He said he attributes his success to his father who is a role model, teaching him the value of sportsmanship, gun safety and discipline.

“Medyo nahirapan ako sa stage 4, akala ko di na ako makahabol sa 3rd place, pero sa tulong ng aking dad na siya rin coach ko ay nasama ako sa top 3,” Tayag said.

Tayag said he and his father are now preparing for the 17th World Shoot Championship to be held in Florida, USA in 2014.

Diosdado Tayag, father of Dio, said he is confident that with more training and practice his son will most likely win the gold medal in the next World Shoot Championship.

“Bata pa naman si Dio at and the way things are going I am confident that makukuha na namin ang gold medal sa susunod na World Shoot. Noong una kaming sumali ay 9th place at ang pangalawa naman ay 3rd place. Siguro naman next time kami na ang champion,” the older Tayag said.

The young shooter also won different titles in different cups like the Australia-Asia Cup, National Jack Enrile Cup- Junior championship held last year in Batangas, Bolo Cup-level 3, Junior Cup (Arms Corp.), Level 1 to 3 Senator Bong Bong Marcos Cup held in Ilocos, among others.

In 2008, Tayag placed 9th in the 15th World Shoot Championship, while in 2009 and 2010, the young shooter won the gold in the Austri-Asia Cup.

Recently, Tayag won 1st place in the First Governor Lilia Pineda Cup; 6th place in the First Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup and Third Mayor Jose Silvosa Sr. Cup; 2nd place in the General's Cup and 2nd place in the P-Noy Cup.

He is also a member of the Pampanga Shooters Association (PSA) and Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) and has been ranked as the number one junior shooter in Division 4 from 2007 to 2008.

Tayag thanked Governor Lilia Pineda, Mayor Lito Naguit, former mayor Dennis Pineda and his fellow shooters. Tayag said the PPSA and PSA have been behind him during his training and competitions.

Pineda and Naguit both lauded the young Tayag for giving pride not only to the province and this town but to the country as well.

The two officials said Tayag is truly a role model for other young Kapampangans and his accomplishments would motivate others to strive for excellence in their chosen sports. (Chris Navarro)