Maria Leonor Estampador, the Philippines’ first female national fencing coach, has been honored by the International Olympic Committee as the top awardee in Asia for women’s sports.
Estampador, now working for the Asian Fencing Confederation, gained the recognition during the IOC Women and Sport Awards on Monday in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The IOC Women and Sport Awards has recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to encourage and develop the participation of women in sports since 2000.
Ethiopian sports journalist Dagim Zinabu Tekle bagged the top award, the first time the IOC accolade was given to a man.
The IOC praised Tekle for creating a radio show “dedicated to inspiring women to be more active in sports.” —June Navarro