Team PH eyes redemption in Wekaf Championship

Team Philippines is set to reclaim lost glory when the 12th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf) Championship and Congress unfurls on July 18 at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The Philippine team last tasted success with the overall crown in 2000.

After 11 years, the closest that the squad has come to winning it all again was four years ago when it last hosted the event at the Ayala Center Cebu.
It was a heartbreaking stint for the country as it lost the crown by a mere gold medal to the powerhouse United States contingent.

The country’s last campaign in the world championships was a subdued one as it sent only 13 players and managed just six gold medals in the event that was held in Mexico City.

Wekaf president Gerald Cañete, son of the supreme grandmaster Dionisio Canete, expressed his utmost confidence in the country’s ability and chances to take back the coveted prize.

“This time, we made a lot of preparations,” said Cañete in a statement to the press. “The composition of the Philippine team is now broader because  our players went through an extensive selection process. We’re training the guys hard and we will try our best to win  the overall championship.”

Meanwhile, the older Cañete is set to be enshrined to the Hall of Fame along with 19 others in an event that is a first in the colorful 23-year history of the organization.

The enshrinement ceremony coincides with the formal blessing and inauguration of the Eskrima Temple on  July 18 at the Doce Pares Mountain Training Park in brgy. Malubog, Cebu City.

It’s the second martial arts temple in Asia after the renowed Kung Fu Temple in China.

In another first for Wekaf, a Head of State will grace the week-long joust as Honorable  Didier Robert, president of Reunion Island in France, is expected to be in town for the event.

Cañete said they have already coordinated with the office of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia considering that  Robert and his entourage must be accorded with all the diplomatic courtesy due him as a foreign dignitary.

The Wekaf Congress is set on July 19 at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel with Philippine  Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ritchie Garcia as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.  /Correspondent Jonas Panerio