MMA
Wushu exec wants to develop younger fighters
JAKARTA – With two golds, four silvers, and three bronzes, the wushu team was one of the most productive for the Philippines in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games.
“That means 13 of our 14 competitors produced a medal,” said wushu federation secretary-general Julian Camacho, who also serves as the country’s deputy Chef de Mission to the event. “Still, I’m not satisfied.”
Camacho’s team came up one gold short of its target.
“Our target is to win three, but we won only two gold medals. I think it’s about time for us to tap younger players for our sanshou team.”
“We already have players in our pool, but we have to develop them and elevate them to the national squad.”
Camacho said he was disappointed with some of his wards’ performance. He cited in particular the case of Marian Mariano who lost against the taller Thily Tan of Vietnam in the finals of the women’s 56kg division.
“Hindi siya sumunod sa game plan,” said Camacho. “Mas matangkad yung kalaban niya so kung didistansiya ka, tatamaan ka ng sipa. Ilang beses siya natamaan ng malakas.”
The younger wushu artists, who are mostly based in Baguio City, will be granted scholarships to study and train in Manila.
“At least, madali naming namo-monitor yung training nila kasi sa Baguio, kanya-kanya silang training,” said Camacho.
