The city government under the leadership of Mayor Khymer Olaso recognizes the efforts and achievements of Zamboangueño athletes who brought home almost a hundred medals from the recent regional, national and international competitions during the Monday flag-raising ceremony, August 18 at City Hall grounds.

Mayor Olaso, together with his Chief of Staff and Secretary Celso Lobregat and City Sports Division Officer Dr. Cecil Atilano, led the presentation of a certificate of recognition to PSSgt Cherry Rojas Bejerano, who won two gold medals in Karatedo during the Wold Police and Fire Games 2025 held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA held from June 27 to July 6.

Also recognized were medalists who excelled in the Bohol Sandugo Amateur Boxing Championships, the 76th Araw ng Ipil Muaythai Tournament, the 2025 Mindanao Regional Kickboxing Championships, and the 10th Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza Open Invitational Karatedo Tournament.

The city’s athletes secured 29 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals. This remarkable achievement highlighted Zamboanga’s growing strength in combat sports. Teams recognized included the Zamboanga Karatedo Association, Zamboanga Wushu Team, Zamboanga Kickboxing Team, and the Zamboanga Boxing Team.

At the Karatedo tournament held in Amas, Kidapawan from August 9 to 10, 2025, the Zamboanga Karatedo Association earned 58 medals. The Zamboanga Wushu Team clinched 18 medals in the Muaythai tournament in Jagna, Bohol from July 16 to 20, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Boxing Team tallied seven medals in the Bohol Sandugo Amateur Boxing Championships held on the same dates, while the Zamboanga Kickboxing Team collected five medals in the Mindanao Regional Kickboxing Championships in Tagum, Davao del Norte from August 12 to 14, 2025.

Mayor Olaso lauded the athletes, their coaches for their discipline and determination, emphasizing that their victories not only brought pride and honor to Zamboanga City, but also demonstrating excellence for the city’s youth.

In return, the athletes expressed gratitude to Olaso for his unwavering support to their sporting pursuits. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)