CEBU CITY has once again proven that it’s a good breeding ground for Muay Thai fighters after another impressive performance.
Team Cebu City had a 12-medal haul in the 3rd Muay Thai National Championships on Nov. 15 to 20 at the Multi-Purpose Arena of the Philsports Complex in Pasig City, Metro Manila.
Out of the 14 fighters that Cebu City fielded, 12 of them took home a medal each. Cebu City won five gold medals, four silver medals and three bronze medals.
“I’m so proud of the boys and how they represented Team Cebu City Muay Thai,” Muay Thai Philippines-Cebu president Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga told SunStar Cebu.
Adrie Lanz Caniga, Allan Albindo, Mark Alforque, Simon Uchina and Buen Algono are the team’s gold medalists. The silver medalists are pro MMA fighter Ruel Rosauro, Rey Leander Velasco, Radel dela Cerna and Yul Martinez. Raymond Berandoy, Jhon Agustine Simbajon and Marvin Petiluna won bronze medals.
“This is the biggest national Muay Thai event with almost 400 athletes. They had an excellent performance this year because last year we were not able to compete. This year, Team Cebu City Muay Thai was assisted by the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) headed by chairman Ed Hayco and the council. We are thankful for the CCSC and the council, especially to Sir Ed Hayco, because if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to compete in the National Championships,” said Caniga.
The team’s top performers will be in the running for a spot in the Philippine National Muay Thai team. The tournament served as a scouting ground for the national team.
“They will still be choosing the players because there were also a lot of good fighters from Baguio especially those from Team Lakay,” said Caniga.
With the recent success of the team, Caniga wants to further promote the sport in Cebu.
“I will promote the sport of Muay Thai in Cebu especially with the grassroots program of the CCSC and my sports program of Brgy. Day-as, which can help the kids learn the sport and help Muay Thai grow here in Cebu,” said Caniga. “Hopefully next year there will be more athletes competing for Team Cebu City.” (EKA)