BY NIDA A. BUENAFE
With eight gold medals, three silvers and one bronze, the PSKI-KFS Bacolod captured the overall championship during the 1stLuzViMin Virtual Kata Tournament held during the weekend.
For the overall crown, the Bacolod-based PSKI-KFS, mentored by Sensei Randy Mengullo and Sensei Elan Delfin, edged PKTS-Vigan Ilocos Sur which settled for the first runner-up honors with four gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze.
Other winners during the tournament, hosted by Sensei Joel Madrona of Progressive Arts and Sports Karate-do (PASKA) were NNK-ISKF Negros with 2 gold and two silver medals, ISKF-PASKA in Angeles City with three silver and two bronze medals, NewGen Achievers with one silver medal, and ISKF-Jissen Shotokan with one bronze medal.
The LuzViMin tournament is the latest addition to the overflowing medal haul of the PSKI-KFS karatekas from various virtual tournament the past months, while the world copes up with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the Karate Idol 4 International E-Tournament, the Bacolod karatekas won three gold, a silver, and two bronze medals to place third behind champion Indonesia, and overall second placer Nepal. Fifteen countries joined the tournament.
The medal harvest of the young PSKI-KFS karatekas in three virtual tournaments was led by Carlo Barias, Francis Zohann Kalaw and Gene Agsam, who won three gold medals each from their respective events.
Barias was a triple-gold winner in Under 10 boys advance kata, while Kalaw collected three gold medals in Under 10 boys novice kata. Agsam, three gold medals in Under 12 boys novice kata.
Other winners for the PSKI-KFS club were Paulaine Miyu Kalaw, Nichole Margarette Piamonte, Chahatjot Singh, Kirc Gabriel Samulde, Denisse Martina Atesora, Akysha Glenne Servano, and Gorjot Grewal.
“I congratulate all the parents, players, coaches and the organizer for the positive outlook and productive activity in this time of pandemic,” said Sensei Danilo Mojica II, chairman and country director of ISKF Philippines.
He also encouraged everyone to stay safe and keep on training for the activities set next year.*
