Muay Thai nat’l c’ship winners get crack at national team pool

The Muay Thai Association of the Philippines is looking to bolster its national training pool as it holds a four-day National Open Championships beginning Thursday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Coach Roland Claro said the Open Championships is expected to draw 350 athletes nationwide.

“This is the biggest one yet because a lot will be participating,” said Claro during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum Tuesday at Shakey’s Malate.

Claro said the event offers a good opportunity for Filipinos to showcase their talents.

A total of 40 gold medals and a possible inclusion to the national team pool are at stake in the competition.

As it stands, the country’s muay thai national team only has 12 members.

“Those who will show potential will have a chance to make the national team,” said assistant coach Precious Ocaya.

“We’re also looking for athletes who have experience and we’re going to send them to Thailand and train,” said Claro.

Aside from Claro and Ocaya, Rudzma Abubakar and Ghenyan Berdon, who won gold and silver medals in the 2016 World Championships in Sweden, were also present at the weekly session.