iKalinga Warriors strike 2 Gold, 1 Silver Medals at World Muaythai Championships

SPORTS

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Rising from humble beginnings, three young fighters from Kalinga proudly represented the province and finished on the podium at one of the world's premier youth sporting events, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) 1st Muaythai School World Championships.

The IFMA, the global governing body for muaythai, staged the inaugural Muaythai School World Championships from June 16 to 20 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, attracting more than 1,000 participants from 114 countries.

Carrying Kalinga's fighting spirit and backed by the support of their families and kailyans, three athletes from Team Tribu Banwar competed in the prestigious tournament: Dick Saking Jr., 15; Wahkan River Tagure, 6; and Ralph Emman Liwaliw, 14.

Saking battled his way to the gold medal in the Under-18 45-kilogram category, while Tagure secured a silver medal in the Under-8 20-kilogram division. Liwaliw reached the quarterfinals before bowing to a decorated former world champion from Kazakhstan.

Adding to Kalinga's medal haul was 17-year-old Salko Velic, who started his journey with Team Tribu Banwar before earning a spot on the Philippine Muaythai Team. Velic captured the gold medal in the Wai Kru competition.

It didn't end because people believed.

In an interview, Team Tribu Banwar Head Coach Erwin Tagure expressed pride in the achievements of his athletes, who continue to train in a modest gym in Tabuk City. He revealed that, except for Velic, the athletes competed through self-funding and the support of private sponsors.

"This is proof that even a small, self-funded team from Kalinga can reach the world stage when people choose to help. And tonight I am not just happy, I am grateful in a way I cannot fully explain," he said.

Recalling their humble beginnings, Coach Tagure said there were many occasions when their mission of developing young martial arts talents in Kalinga nearly came to an end if not for the support of private individuals who believed in their advocacy.

"I know where we came from, I know how many times this could have ended but it didn’t because people believed… We wouldn't be here without your unwavering support. This victory is not just ours...it is for everyone who believed and helped us," Tagure expressed.