MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine national judo team delivered a strong showing on the international stage, hauling six gold medals at the Penang Invitational Judo Championships held over the weekend in Sunshine Central, Penang, Malaysia.
Leading the charge were Southeast Asian Games medalists Daryl John Mercado and Joemari-Heart Rafael, who spearheaded the country’s impressive campaign in a tournament that featured 720 participants from 10 nations.
Mercado, a two-time SEA Games medalist, clinched gold in the men’s under-60kg division after forcing Indonesia’s Ahmad Andriyanto to submit via armbar. Despite the victory, the Muntinlupa native stressed the need for continued improvement.
“Maganda po, pero kulang pa. Kailangan pa ng strength, power, at exposure para makasabay sa ibang bansa,” Mercado said.
Rafael also struck gold in the women’s under-57kg category, defeating Malaysia’s Xue Zhi Voon, while fellow SEA Games medalist Khrizzie Pabulayan topped the women’s half-middleweight division.
Sisters Jeanalane Lopez and Leah Jhane Lopez likewise shone, first ruling the Ju-No-Kata event before securing individual golds in their respective weight classes. Jeanalane dominated Singapore’s Germaine Foo in the under-44kg division, while Leah Jhane beat Hyra Adena in the under-48kg class.
The Philippines also picked up additional podium finishes, with Randy Ferrera earning silver in the men’s lightweight division and Jed Mark Pumay taking bronze in the men’s under-66kg category.
National team coach Gilbert Ramirez lauded the squad’s performance, noting the dominance of the Filipina judokas.
“Napakaganda ng performance ng mga atleta natin. Halos seconds lang ang laban, lalo na sa women’s,” Ramirez said.
The team now shifts its focus to upcoming international competitions, including the Vietnam International Open in May and a tournament in Indonesia in June, as they continue to build momentum on the global stage. TMT
