Team Arnis gears up for 2019 SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines — Arnis Philippines Inc. (ARPI) has launched an intensive nationwide search for national athletes for the South East Asian Games which the Philippines will host next year.

Arnisadores from all over the country competed in the 109th Baguio Day Charter National Arnis Championships set  over the weekend at the PMA grounds in Baguio.

Twenty-eight gold medals were awarded to the winners, said ARPI president Raymond Velayo.

ARPI is the official national sports association tasked by Philippine Olympic Committee to select qualified arnisadores for international competitions.

In last year’s SEA Games, the Philippine arnis team grabbed three of six gold medals at stake.

Arnis debuted in the 1991 SEA Games as a demonstration sport where the Philippines wrested 11 of 16 golds at stake.