SEVEN HOMEGROWN ATHLETES RACK UP 20 MEDALS IN INTERNAT'L MARTIAL ARTS TILTS

Four of the six martial artists who represented the Philippine Team at the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) Asia Pacific Championship - Elite Invitational Tournament paid a visit to Mayor Roderick Awingan earlier today, August 18.

Held in Sanya, China from August 5 to 9, 2026, the tournament hosted over 1,300 participants from 20 countries, where the local delegation brought home a total of 18 medals (4 golds, 7 silvers, and 7 bronzes) across eight different combat disciplines.

Notably, Gerwin Lete competed in the ISKA 55kg Youth Title Challenger, while Jhaymie Gayman fought in the 55kg ISKA World Title Challenger.

Adding to the overall tally, Erexter Taligan garnered one gold in Wai Kru Doubles and one silver medal in the Pro-Am Muay Thai during the Siamyout Global Heritage Muay Thai Series held in Samut Songkhram, Thailand from August 8 to 12, 2026.

Mayor Awingan, along with Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan and the Sangguniang Bayan members, offered their highest congratulations to the athletes for their stellar performance, further cementing La Trinidad’s reputation as a training ground for elite combat sports talent.

The municipal government through the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) was able to extend cash assistance to the delegation.

“Thank you to everyone who made the journey meaningful despite the challenges we faced. Matago-tago tako,” Head coach and team lead Sharma Devaiah stated, briefly sharing that the group was stranded in China for a few days before returning home to the Philippines.

The breakdown of awards is as follows:

• Jhay Sharezer Gayman (40kg Under 12 division)

Silver - Muay Thai (Ring)

Bronze - Point Fighting (Tatami)

• Sharma Devaiah (55kg Senior category)

Gold - No-Gi (Tatami)

Silver - Light Contact (Tatami)

Silver - K1 (Ring)

Silver - K1 Light (Tatami)

• Gerwin Lete (55kg Under 18 division)

Gold - Wushu Sanda (Ring)

Silver - K1 Light (Tatami)

Bronze - K1 (Ring)

Bronze - Full Contact (Ring)

• Neil James Calabias (60kg Under 18 division)

Bronze - K1 (Ring)

Bronze - Muay Thai (Ring)

Bronze - K1 Light (Tatami)

• Gregory Mamuad (55 kg Under 16 division)

Gold - Point Fighting (Tatami)

Gold - Light Contact (Tatami)

Silver - K1 (Ring)

Silver - K1 Light (Tatami)

• Jhaymie Gayman

Bronze - No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (60kg)

Author: 𝘙𝘙. 𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘢-𝘢𝘺

Photographer: ExCalibur Fight Team & Management

Original Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DpAFZ9mYL/