At 6, iKalinga wonder kid wins World Muaythai Medal

SPORTS

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – At just six years old, Grade 1 pupil Wahkan River Tagure achieved what many athletes only dream of, winning a medal on the world stage and emerging as the youngest medalist at the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) 1st School World Championships.

The tournament, which attracted more than 1,000 participants from 114 countries, was held from June 16 to 20 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Representing the Philippines under the guidance of his father and coach, Erwin Tagure of Team Tribu Banwar, Wahkan captured the silver medal in the 20-kilogram Under-8 category after falling by the narrowest of margins in a razor-thin decision against a competitor from Uzbekistan.

The achievement marked Wahkan's first international competition and added another milestone to his growing list of accomplishments in the sport.

According to Coach Erwin, the IFMA School World Championships was only the third competition his son had joined. Prior to competing in Malaysia, Wahkan participated in the Muaythai Luzon Leg and the national championships, winning both tournaments and becoming a national muaythai champion at just five years old.

When asked how Wahkan developed his passion for combat sports, Erwin said he never forced his son to follow in his footsteps and instead allowed him to discover the sport on his own.

“Bale haan ko suna pinilit. Inuray ko suna nagka-interest. Idi makitak nga basta ag ensayo kami ket adda idiay igid maki kulkulit, nakita kon nagka-interest suna. Isu di nag 5 years old suna ket sinurwakon,” the head coach said.

Following his impressive showing at the IFMA 1st School World Championships, Wahkan is now preparing for another international competition later this year as he continues his remarkable journey in the sport at a very young age.