NATIONAL Academy of Sports sophomore Sophia Nicole Novino seems to have made the transition from judo kata (forms) to kumite (sparring) without missing a beat, ruling the women’s -44-kilogram division of the competition yesterday in the 8th PSC Women’s Martial Festival.
Up against a familiar rival, Novino, of the Muntinlupa Judo Club, had her hands full before pulling off an ippon win (1-0) over Baguio Judo Club’s Mikeighla Louise de Vera to lead the day’s winners in the demonstration event at the Philippine Judo Federation training gym inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Even if we are a demonstration sport, we are grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission and particularly commissioner Bong Coo in including us in the PSC Women’s Martial Arts Festival,” said PJF president Ali Sulit, who witnessed the event that drew nearly 50 judokas from various clubs.
“As you can see, the competition was quite intense and this is one way for the PJF to scout new talents for the future,” noted PJF secretary general Dave Carter.
“Magaling na kalaban po si Mike (De Vera) kaya nagpapasalamat din ako at natalo ko po siyang muli,” said Novino, a Grade 8 student.
“Maganda rin po ito na makabalik sa actual competition after nearly three years na halos walang tournament,” added Novino, a girls kata gold medalist in the 2019 Batang Pinoy National Games in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Other winners in the competition also sponsored by Pocari Sweat and Go21 were Shanaia Febrer (-32-kg) Jhenica Raijah Serrano (-40-kg), Rhian Napoles in the -48-kg class, Samara Nina Vidar (-57-kg), Maegan Motilla (-63 kg), Ma. Raphaela Estrada (-70-kg) and Francesca Michaela Roces (+70kg).
In other results yesterday, Julia Ian Marcos and Miyuki Romaquin Tacay bagged a gold medal each in the women’s -61-kg. and +61-kg. divisions, respectively, in kumite play.
Scheduled today are wrestling at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and the demo sport of arnis at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
