Negrense Athletes Qualify to Southeast Asian Karatedo Championship

Following the victories of the Negros Occidental Karatedo Team in Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games in December 2023, they are qualified to the upcoming Southeast Asian Karatedo Championship in Thailand this April.

This participation came after the team took home several medals in the recently concluded 5th Karate Pilipinas National Championship held at Tagaytay Combat Sports Center on March 1 – 3, 2024.

Charles Angelo Rodriguez, the team’s team captain, was awarded with a gold medal after defeating his opponent in the Seniors Men 55 kg. Kumite. Jodan Macalipay also took home the silver medal in the U-21 Mens Kata category. Ryan Glenn Giray and Steffi Bernice Sarrosa both garnered the bronze medal in the Seniors Men 67 kg. Kumite and Cadet Girls 54 kg. Kumite categories, respectively.

Other members of the Negros Occidental Karatedo Team who participated in the 5th Karate Pilipinas National Championship were Cherry Angela Rodriguez, Elianah Marie Contiga, Ken Cordero, and Tyler Dean Thomson. The team was headed by Coach Romy Lisondra, Jr.

The 5th Karate Pilipinas National Championship was sanctioned by the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc. (KPSFI) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). It was held as a selection event for the delegates to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Southeast Asian Karatedo Championship in Thailand this April and the Asian Karatedo Championship, which will be hosted by the Philippines, in August.

Three members of the Negros Occidental Karatedo team are qualified to the Southeast Asian Karatedo Championship including Rodriguez, Macalipay, and Giray.

Meanwhile, karate is one of the sports events supported by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental through its ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports Programs, an initiative spearheaded by Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson.* (Provincial Sports Office)