Riyadh - The Philippines has announced its delegation of 19 athletes to participate in the 2023 World Combat Games, set to take place from Oct. 20 to 30 at the King Saud University Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Jenna Kaila Napolis (ju-jitsu), and the wushu duo of Jones Inso and Clemente Tagubara Jr., all of whom secured bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games, are set to spearhead the nation's campaign at the tournament, which marks its debut in the Middle East.
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, Napolis, having secured the top position in the women's -52kg event at the Cambodia SEA Games held in May, expressed her determination, stating, "I will do my best." The roster also boasts of SEA Games gold medalists Agatha Wong (wushu) and Gretel De Paz (kickboxing), accompanied by silver medalist Renalyn Dacquel (kickboxing) and bronze winners Philip Delarmino (muay thai) and Darius Venerable (taekwondo). The line-up further consists of Fierre Afan, Maria Aisa Ratcliff (both grappling); Rudzma Abubakar, Islay Bomogao, Arnel Lampacan, Alyssa Mallari, Edzel Ngina, Rhichien Yosorez (all muay thai); Justin Kobe Macario, Faye Crisostomo (both taekwondo); and Thornton Sayan (wushu).
"We're sending several world champions and world-ranked athletes," remarked Alvin Aguilar, president of the wrestling association, who will be acting as the chef de mission for Team Philippines. "I'm sure we will deliver."
A total of 1,657 athletes, comprising 913 males and 744 females from 80 different countries, are slated to compete across 16 disciplines. These disciplines include aikido, boxing, fencing, judo, ju-jitsu, karate, kendo, arm wrestling, kickboxing, Muaythai, sambo, savate (French boxing), sumo, taekwondo, wrestling, and wushu. Of these, wrestling leads with 288 participants, succeeded by fencing with 144, ju-jitsu registering 136, and other disciplines following suit.
The games will also see the introduction of the Para Combat Games, which will feature 56 athletes, split between 38 males and 18 females, competing in ju-jitsu, arm wrestling, Muaythai, and sambo.