TCC Muay Thai fighters set for national tourney

CEBU, Philippines - The Muay Thai fighters of Team Cebu City will take on some of the country's elite kickboxers in the National Muay Thai Championships on December 16 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The event serves as a selection process for the members of the Philippine team that will be competing in various international tournaments next year.

Muay Thai Association of the Philippines-Visayas head Master Benigno 'Ekin' R. Caniga Jr. said they are more inspired in showcasing their skills after the International Olympic Committee recently announced that they are giving the sport of Muay Thai a provisional recognition as an Olympic sport.

With this, Muay Thai organizations worldwide will now be able to tap into some IOC funding and take part in a number of programs including athletes' development. At the end of their three-year provisional recognition period, they can apply to become part of the Olympic Games sports program.

“It is great news for the Muay Thai communities all over the world. It will not be long for now that we will see Muay Thai in the Olympics,” said Master Ekin. “This gave us added inspiration to do well in the national championship. Our main goal now is to make it to the Philippine team.”

The eight Cebuano kickboxers are headed by Master Ekin’s nephew Ken ‘Shaolin’ Caniga and mixed martial arts veteran Roel ‘Akiyama’ Rosauro. They will leave for Manila on Wednesday.

“They prepared hard for this tournament. We will be facing the best of the best from different regions but I trust my boys,” Master Ekin said.

Master Ekin believes that with the support from the government, Pinoy Muay Thai fighters have a big chance in bringing Olympic medals for the country in the future.

"This is a sport that we can dominate, especially in the smaller division. Just like boxing, we Filipinos have natural gifts in combat sports," he added. (FREEMAN)