Milestone for Phl wushu

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s impressive medal haul in the 16th Wushu World Championships held recently in Texas cemented the Wushu Federation of the Philippines’ status as perhaps the most successful NSA (national sports association) on the world stage.

The Philippine team brought home one gold, four silver and one bronze in the event that drew close to 500 athletes from 61 countries, raising the WFP’s gold-medal haul in the world event to 18 since 1991.

No other NSA in the country has won more gold medals in the world championships than the WFP.

But Julian Camacho, WFP secretary-general, said there’s no slowing down for the federation.

“We have to work harder and continue our grassroots program all over the country. Doon tayo nakakahanap ng young talents,” Camacho told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Joining Camacho in the forum were Vincent Ventura, Mark Lester Ragay and Mark Anthony Polo, who won the gold in the men’s taolu dullian event, and silver medalists Jennifer Kilapio (women’s sanda 48kg) and Clemente Tabugara Jr. (men’s sanda 65kg).

The other silver medalists in Texas were multi-titled Agatha Wong (women’s taolu-taijiquan) and Arnel Mandal (men’s sanda 52kg). Russel Diaz took the bronze in the men’s sanda 48kg.

“Sobra ‘yung training sacrifices namin kasi po students kami and mahirap talaga pagsabayin ang studies and competing,” said Ventura, a high school student in Pasay City, in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).