PH KarateKid teams shine in Asian underwater hockey

MANILA, Philippines – Two teams representing the Philippines bagged a silver medal and a bronze at the recent 5th Asian Underwater Hockey Championships at Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque City.

Team Philippines (Blue), backed by Japanese fast-food chain KarateKid, pipped Singapore, 3-2, in sudden-death play to place second in the Nations’ Cup (men’s division).

The competition, organized by Citadel Underwater Hockey Club in cooperation with the Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation, drew teams from China, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Australia.

One of the country’s fastest-growing water sports, underwater hockey is a challenging team sport played at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Two six-player teams wearing masks, snorkels and fins compete by maneuvering a puck on the pool floor with playing sticks.