Kalinga fighters dominate 2026 Regional Muaythai Championships - Luzon Leg (Combat Category)

SPORTS

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Young iKalinga fighters once again dominated the 2026 Regional Muaythai Championships – Luzon Leg (Combat Category), hauling a total of 30 medals from April 13 to 17, 2026, at the Malolos Sports Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan.

The Regional Muaythai Championships – Luzon Leg, organized by the Muaythai Association of the Philippines, the sport’s national governing body, serves as a critical stepping stone for athletes aiming to compete in the Muaythai National Open Championships— the qualifying stage for the Philippine Muaythai national team.

This year’s edition of the competition drew around 250 athletes from 16 local government units across Luzon.

Amid the large field of competitors, the team of young iKalingas emerged as champions in the combat category and placed second overall in the tournament, collecting an impressive 19 gold medals, 9 silver, and 2 bronze. The feat also marks a successful defense of their combat championship title from last year.

The gold medalists were Wahkan River Tagure, Ferest Tiwang, Leo Basing At, Jacob Gayol, Saking Dick Maximo, Yamkah Sky Tagure, Cyrey Dalwidao, Divine Ancheta, Jugayon Pinagod, Aimyel Agyao, Jan Rey Calagui, Lif Pumos An, Ghailan Malawis, Lester Lee Dawangan, Kia Velic, Noah Malondon, Godsent Balongay, Yamkah Sky Tagure (Muay Mai), and Cyrey Dalwidao (Muay Mai).

The silver medalists were Ralph Liwaliw, Lilian Angid, Macree Tangdol, Devance Dongnga, Prince Tagure, Jericho Sugao, Frederrick Balongay, Jaden Taclawan, and Jazer Gayol, while the bronze medalists were Divine Ancheta (Wai Kru) and Jaden Taclawan (Wai Kru).

Moreover, special awards were given to Cyrey Dalwidao and Yamkah Sky Tagure as Best Muay Mai performers; Jan Rey Calagui as Best Rising Male Novice Athlete; Lilian Angid as Best Rising Female Novice Athlete; and Cyrey Dalwidao as Best Female Rising Star.

These athletes were coached by Thea Shivonne Tombali Baculi, Arvin Sabado, Junjie Dawaton, Jeofrey Dalwidao, and Erwin Tagure.

Supporting athletes leads to discipline, responsible citizenship

With young iKalinga fighters continuing to make waves in regional and national combative sports, Head Coach Erwin Tagure, who also owns Team Tribu Banwar Gym, emphasized that supporting children’s passion for sports goes beyond skill development—it also instills discipline and shapes them into responsible citizens.

“Maliban ti exposure ken promotion iti physical ken emotional well-being ti uubing, ket makita da nga parte da iti society. Nu makita da nga parte da iti society, idiay en maimula nga ayaten da ken isakit ti bayan ken agbalin da nga responsible citizens ken madisiplinaan da,” he expressed.