By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno
MANILA – The future of Philippine karate went on “why-not-now” mode on Sunday as the national team saved the best for last in the final day of the Karate One Youth League on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Blanked in the first three days, the Philippines literally went on a gold rush as the team scored two golds to headline a six-medal haul in the under-14 tournaments.
First striking gold was Kathleya Elaine Bustamante, who beat Australia’s Ana Jovic, 6-2, in the U14 kumite -47 kg final.
“It’s my first time winning an international tournament,” said an emotional Bustamante, who hugged her coach following her win.
The 13-year-old General Santos native, still in tears of joy, added, “I’m very happy that I did my best to win the gold.”
It was actually a 1-3 finish for the Philippines in the said division as Kaylani Vergara won a bronze medal.
Meanwhile, Francis Erl Jud Abundo scored the other gold for the home team as he blanked Wan Azlee Wan Zuraimi of Brunei, 7-0, in the U14 kumite male -40 kg final.
“Akala ko po magiging close fight siya, pero kinaya (I thought it would be a close fight, but I was able to dominate him),” said the Sta. Rosa City native, who got an advanced birthday gift as he struck gold a day before turning 13.
Abundo added that when he drew first blood with an ippon, he felt the momentum was his and continued until the referee and judges activated the mercy rule.
On the other hand, Dean Montalbo and Alexa Vallesteros won silver medals in both the U14 kata events, while Ashana Sabote won the other bronze medal in the U14 kumite female -42 kg event.
Karate Pilipinas, the national sports association behind the successful staging of the Karate One Youth League, will now begin thinking about what to do next as it will host the event again next February. (PNA)
