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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

8th Women's Martial Arts Festival kicks off

Opinion

8th Women's Martial Arts Festival kicks off

By Manila Bulletin Sports

Combat athletes during the opening ceremony led by PSC commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo.

By NIKOLE JAVIER

More than 600 women athletes, coaches and officials graced the opening ceremony of the 8th Women’s Martial Arts (WMA) Festival held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Nov. 12.

Acting as a training ground for combat athletes, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala and commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo expressed excitement on the return of the competition highlighted by 11 events.

The opening parade featured athletes from nine regular sports namely wrestling, taekwondo, sambo, pencak silat, muay thai, kurash, kickboxing, karate and jiu jitsu, while demonstration sports arnis and judo were also included spice up the event.

“This Martial Arts Festival is held with the goal of helping our NSAs and national athletes prepare for the 6th Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games that will be held on Nov. 17, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand,” said Coo who is also the project oversight of the competition.

With over 1,000 expected participants, the PSC commissioner is aiming to promote combat sports and get more young girls involved.

“Exactly 365 days from the end of our competition. This will also be a part of the talent search that will showcase the different martial arts sports where women can excel and bring honors to the country,” she added.

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Philippine Sports Commission

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