MMA
UP judo team bag medals in Macau
Courtesy of Daphne Lontajo
The University of the Philippines judo team bagged medals in the 2012 Macau International Junior & Youth Judo Tournament at the Pavilhão Polidesportivo Do Instituto Politécnico De Macau Saturday.
Five out of the six players who competed in different weight divisions clinched podium finishes, with one gold coming from Maria Victoria Balleser (+ 78 kg), one silver from Sean Edward Uy (-90 kg), and one bronze each from Daphne Lontajo (-52 kg), Christian Bautista (+100 kg) and Johanne Prince Lledo (-100 kg).
The competition featured judo players from different countries, such as Macau, China, Chinese Taipei, Hongkong, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Lontajo, who won a bronze, said that they had a hard time against their opponents, though she was proud when their hard work paid off when they prevailed and gave honor for the country.
“Mahirap din (yung tournament) kasi malalakas din sila,” Lontajo told InterAKTV. “It’s a good experience. Lalo na nakita mo na tinataas yung flag ng Philippines nung awarding. Nakakatindig ng balahibo.”
The team will be returning to Manila on Monday.
