The government, through the Philippine Sports Commission, has lauded the winning performances of the national women athletes in the sports of karate, weightlifting, and football, which raised the Philippine flag in different sports stages around the globe.
“For July, we have a lot of reasons to cheer for. In sports, women are brimming with success and talent for this month, and it is something to celebrate and be proud of,” PSC Officer in Charge, Guillermo Iroy Jr., said in a news release.
National karateka Junna Tsukii opened the month with her gold medal feat at The World Games in Birmingham, USA.
Filipino-Japanese Tsukii, who was accompanied by her foreign coach Okay Arpa and Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc. president and team manager Richard Lim, received a total of P1.3 million in financial assistance from the PSC covering airfare, accommodation, Covid-19 swab tests, US visa fee, and allowances for training, transportation, and competition. She is also set to receive a P1 million monetary incentive under Republic Act 10699.
Another Filipino weightlifting pride Rose Jean Ramos won four golds, one silver, and one bronze medal in the women’s 45kg. category at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Ramos swept all the gold medals in the Youth with 70kg. in snatch, and 83kg. in clean and jerk for a total lift of 153kg. She also snatched one gold, one silver, and one bronze in the Junior competition.
Angeline Colonia won two golds and one silver, breaking the new Asian and World youth record in the Women’s 40kg. class after lifting 62 kg. in the snatch, and 72kg. in clean and jerk for a total lift of 134kg.
Prince Keil delos Santos bagged two bronzes from the Men’s 49kg. category. The three winning lifters are part of the 17-man Philippine Weightlifting team composed of 13 athletes and four coaches in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from July 15 to 25. They received P5.5 million in financial support from the PSC for airfare, accommodation, entry and visa fees, and travel insurance.
Apart from this, PSC also funded the national team’s local training and preparation for the event held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex from July 10 to 12. The support amounted to P85,000
The Philippine National Women’s Football team, meanwhile, made a historic romp at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship 2022, dethroning four-time champion Thailand in the finals, 3-0.
It was the first crown of the Philippines since 2004. The win is another page in the history of Philippine football. It was held at the 88-year-old Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
The PSC provided venues and technical working staff to oversee the operations of the Games.
“Such honors inspire us even more to support the aspirations of our Filipino athletes, especially the young ones. We are grateful for all their sacrifices and love for the country,” Iroy said.