• NIDA A. BUENAFE
Seventeen karatekas of the Bacolod- Karate Fighting System – Phil. Shotokan Karate Institute (KFS-PSKI) will compete in the Okazaki Cup 2024 scheduled Feb. 3 and 4 at GH Green Hills Mall in San Juan, Metro Manila.
Leading the team is black belter Adah Keira Gorriceta, former national Batang Pinoy medalist and an Okazaki Cup achiever.
Joining her in the girls’ team are Marianita Feliza Tacdoro, Maria Cein Angeles Tacdoro, Alexandrine Gorriceta, Azhanna Gorriceta, and Janessa Merliah Gerafil, while composing the boys’ team are Josh Nigel Perlas, Justine Mark Germo, Flint Dave Pahilanga, Zaine Spenser Tonedo, Timothy Ledesma, Aereon Julius Padios, and Carl Joseph Mampang.
Beefing up the KFS-PSKI squad are Indian nationals Paarnam Arwin Singh, Gurkirat Singh Brar, Khasdeep Kaur Sekhon, and Balpreet Kaur.
Mentored by Sensei Elan Delfin and Randy Mengullo, the KFS-PSKI karatekas are ready to showcase their skills in martial arts against opponents from different teams in the country.
“This year, we’re given the opportunity and avenue to meaningfully start our sporting and martial arts journey. We’re expecting tougher opponents since it is a huge national tournament,” said Sensei Mengullo, who is also the ISKF Vice President for Visayas.
Mengullo said the biggest assignment of the Bacolodnon karatekas is to prevail over the champions from the powerhouse teams of the National Capital Region.
Aside from the Okazaki Cup, he said that the KFS-PSKI is also preparing for international tournaments in Hong Kong, Macau, and the World Shoto Cup in London in September this year.
“Praying for the best for all of us who untiringly and passionately embrace our chosen sports which aims to build character and to produce real life champions in general,” Mengullo said.
The Okazaki Cup 2024 is hosted and organized by the ISKF Philippines International Shotokan Karate Federation. | NAB
