Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (extreme right) congratulated some 12 karate athletes of Pangasinan Wadoryu team who grabbed the overall championship in the first Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. national invitational Karate Cup held on January 11 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Gym. In a courtesy to the Governor last January 16, National President of Philippine Karatedo Federation Alejandro Enrico Guadez Velasquez (second from right), who personally trained the multi-awarded young karatedo talents, presented them to the Governor. The Team had already collected several championship titles: Philippine Karate-do Federation National Open in Philippine Sports Arena, Ultra (April 2013); Batang Pinoy – Luzon Elimination Games in Zambales (October 15-19 2013); Shinara Kai International in Singapore and the Hon. Jonvic Remulla Cup in Trece Martires, Cavite. The Pangasinan team is eyeing to maintain its dominance in the national finals of Batang Pinoy set January 28 – February 3 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Pangasinan Wadoryu grabbed the championship title in the first Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr Karate Cup at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Gymnasium in Lingayen last January 11.
Team Pangasinan bagged 15 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze medals besting seven other teams in the national invitational tournament.
KDA (Karate Development Arts and Sports) Team from Manila landed first runner-up with 10 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals while ISKF-RSK (ISKF – Ryo Shotokan Karatedo) Club of Bacoor, Cavite settled at second runner-up with 6 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals.
About 150 participants from seven teams namely, SKIF (Shotokan Karate-do International Federation) from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Anda, MKKPI (Maharlika Karatedo Kai of the Philippines International) from Taguig, Philippine Typhoons from Pasig City, UCCP Clad Center Karatedo Club from Ilocos Sur and Vigan; OSC (Okinawa Shorin-ryu Shizoku) Clan from Region IV, ISKF-RSK,KDA, and Pangasinan Wadoryu joined the martial arts tournament.
According to Mr. Raymund Lee Reyes, secretary general of PKF-NSA (Philippine Karatedo Federation – National Sports Association), the event could provide the federation big chance to produce more potential athletes from Pangasinan who could represent Philippine team in national and international karatedo tournament.
Dr. Alejandro Enrico Guadez Vasquez, National President Federation of PKF, thanked Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. for supporting the Pangasinense karatedo athletes.
The one-day tournament was attended by Mr. Ali Parvinkar, an Iranian Karate Coach; Mr. David Lay, head coach of the Philippine team; Mr. Emmanuel Velez, deputy president of PKF; and Mr. Ramon Franco, chairman of the Referee Council and at the same time Asian Karatedo Double A Licensed.
Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay President Amado I. Espino III assured the athletes that Gov. Espino will continuously support the succeeding Karate Cup and is looking forward to a chance to host the PKF National Championship.