Nat’l tourney stakes PH team slots

Around 350 muay fighters will try their luck for possible stints in the national team during the forthcoming Muay National Championships.

Muay national coach Roland Claro said they’re expecting to find new faces for the developmental pool in the tournament set Dec. 15 to 18 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“This is the biggest gathering for muay where all the clubs and athletes throughout the country will come together and offer their services for the national team,” said Claro during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

In attendance are 35 member-clubs recognized by the Muay Association of the Philippines. Twenty other non-affiliated organizations have signified their intention to help the national cause.

Assistant coach Precious Ocaya said they’ll open 32 slots for the national training pool, which only has 12 athletes at present.

A total of 38 gold medals—18 in the seniors category and 20 for kids and juniors division—will be at stake.

“We only have nine male fighters and three women,” said Ocaya, a former national squad standout. “This is our chance to tap new talents for the team.”

This year’s Sweden World Championship gold medalist Rudzma Abubakar and silver medalist Ghenyan Berdon joined Claro and Ocaya during the weekly sports forum.

Claro said the event also serves as selection process for the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur and the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.