VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — A 9-year-old Filipino karateka emerged victorious in his first international tournament, bagging a gold medal at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship and Training Camp held in Hangzhou, China, from July 22 to 26, 2026.
Romeo Viktor Enriquez of Fight Alliance Sports Team (FAST) – ISKF, coached by national team coach and former Karate Pilipinas national team captain Engene Dagohoy, dominated the Under-10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) category to clinch the gold medal.
Enriquez, a Grade 4 Ateneo de Manila Grade School student, also finished in the Top 5 of the Under-10 Male Kata.
In addition, 13-year-old Raphael Mariano Herrera continued his strong international run by capturing the bronze medal in the Under-14 Male Kata. Herrera, a Grade 7 Abba’s Orchard student, marked his second consecutive bronze medal in the Asian championship.
Ten-year-old Ripley Borromeo also turned in a strong performance, finishing in the Top 5 of the Under-12 Female Kata. Borromeo, a Grade 5 Keys School Manila student, finished in the Top 7 of the Under-12 Female Kumite.
Completing the FAST – ISKF delegation were Ellis Cañoza (age 11) and Colin Paolo (age 10).
“We are extremely proud of what these young athletes accomplished in Hangzhou, China. Their medals are the result of countless hours of disciplined training, sacrifice, and unwavering determination,” said Dagohoy, a SEA Games medalist.
The participating countries in the tournament were: the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Macau, China, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Singapore and Uzbekistan.
FAST – ISKF were backed by major supporters Hello Money, Toby’s Sports, Homeschool Global Philippines, TLC, Trainstation, Inc., Namayan Digital, Inc., Edgardo Canoza, Jr., the Office of Senator Chiz Escudero, Socorro Castros, Moona Ko, Peter Tanchi Jr., Kenno Yao, Claudette Santiago, Sheena Jane Lim, Margaux Lim, and Janel Kalaw.
“The future of Philippine karate is in good hands. These children have shown they can compete—and win—against the best young karatekas in Asia. This is only the beginning, and we will continue to work hard to prepare them for even bigger international competitions,” Dagohoy added.
The team also acknowledged the support of their partners: Lightwater, the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, Joyce Santiago, Sari Lazaro-Tiu, Riva Galveztan, and Rubee J. Alcantara.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Wifredo Apelledo of AAKR Karatedo successfully defended his title by winning back-to-back gold medals in the Under-12 Male Kata and claimed the silver medal in the Under-12 Male Kumite (-45 kg). Joining the AAKR delegation was Ysabella Arwen Varias.
FAST – ISKF has been one of the country’s brightest karatedo teams in recent years, with its athletes winning international and national tournaments.
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