The Philippine Kurash Team delivered a stellar performance at the 1st Kurash South East Asia (KUSEA) Championship held at the Metro Point Complex in Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, from July 19-21. Competing against participants from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and host Malaysia, the Filipino athletes showcased exceptional skills and sportsmanship, bringing home an impressive haul of medals.
The Senior Division of the Philippine team secured a total of nine medals, comprising two gold, five silver, and two bronze. In the Kids and Juniors Division, the young Filipino athletes added to the medal tally with four gold and one bronze.
Senior Division Medalists:
- Ryan Benavidez – Gold, -73kg
- Ryan Donor – Gold, -81kg
- Helen Aclopen – Silver, -48kg
- Nick Ligero – Silver, -60kg
- Nicole Habierto – Silver, -70kg
- Renzo Cazeñas – Silver, -90kg
- George Baclagan – Silver, -100kg
- Pag-ibig De Villa – Bronze, -78kg
- Jeunesse Ong – Bronze, -81kg
Kids and Juniors Division Medalists:
- Zeus Liwanen Babanto – Gold
- Kyra Abella – Gold
- Zephyrus Zadkiel Yu – Gold
- Jon Andrei Pecbot – Gold
- Isaiah Miguel Licera – Bronze
Kurash, a sport of the folk wrestling discipline, is primarily practiced in the regions of Central Asia. The objective of the sport is to grab hold of the opponent by the towel around their waist and throw them onto the ground on their back.
This championship marked the first event organized by the South-East Asian Kurash Association (KUSEA), aiming to promote Kurash and nurture new talent in the region. The competition featured various categories, including seniors, youth, children, and kids, with 150 participants from six countries.
The Malaysian Kurash Association, with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Kajang Municipal Council, and local entities, successfully hosted the event.