Mandaue set to host world arnis tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of Filipino stickfighters will converge in Mandaue City on July 26-27 for the Doce Pares World Invitational Championship 2013.

The event is billed as “Road to Hungray” as  participants will be vying for national training pool slots for next year's World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championships in Debrecen, Hungary.

The two-day tournament features foreign competitors from perennial visitors Reunion Island of France, United States, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Kingdom, South Korea and Australia.

“We are giving full support on this sport and martial art since this is ours. We want Mandaue City through the sports commission to spearhead the revival of local, national and international arnis tournaments,” said Mandaue sports commissioner Engr. Gaga Mendoza.

Teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Army, Air Force and Navy are expected to compete together with arnisadors from Davao, General Santos City, Laguna and Muntinlupa.

At least five teams from Cebu including host Mandaue have also confirmed their entry.

Aside from the fighters, the MCSC will also invite Grandmasters and Masters who have stepped out of the limelight.

“It is long overdue that these great grandmasters and masters will be honored for they have helped develop our very own martial art,” said Mendoza. (FREEMAN)