PH Muaythai athletes eye at least 4 golds in SEA Games
MANILA The Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) hopes to do well and contribute to the success of the country in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
By doing well, MAP means “winning at least four of the nine gold medals at stake in the biennial competition scheduled Nov. 30Dec. 11.”
“There’s no doubt we will do well (in the SEA Games). Walang duda dyan na kaya natin (There is no doubt that we can deliver),”said MAP secretary-general Pearl Managuelod said, during the 35th “Usapang Sports” presented by the Tabloids Organization Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday.
“Sigurado ako we will have medals in all nine events in the SEA Games, pero sa gold hindi ko masasabi,” added Managuelod, who is taking a break in her Sports Psychology studies at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
Managuelod, however, did not reveal the names of the Muaythai athletes who will most likely win gold medals for the country for fear that the opponent will scout them.
Managuelod is also confident about the future of Muaythai in the country under the leadership of his father, retired police general Lucas Managuelod.
he claimed that a vibrant and strong program is in place in Muaythai since 2014.
“We are very strong, very aggressive in our grassroots development program. May regional championships, national championships. Yun mga chapters naming around the country are also very active on their own,” said Managuelod in the forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.
When asked about the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, Managuelod admitted the team did not perform well.
“In 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, there were only five events and we were able to get only one bronze medal, but in other international events, we always won medals," she said.
Managuelod, who graduated from the University of the Philippines, also takes pride in attracting more women to join Muaythai since 2014.
“We’re actually concentrating on the development of our female athletes. Last March, we started with the Women’s Martial Arts and Sports Festival. Madami na talaga nagkaka-interest na pumasok ako nun 2014. Nakikita nila na hindi lang ito pang-lalaki,” she said.