UST TIGER Jins and Judokas bagged medals as part of the Philippine contingent in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) at Ashgabat in Turkmenistan from Sept. 17 to 27.
Former UAAP MVPs Annie Ramirez and Al Llamas took home gold and bronze medals, respectively.
Ramirez defeated fellow Filipino Jenna Napolis in the 55-kg jiu jitsu category for the country’s second gold in the event.
“Sobrang saya ko na nanalo ako ng gold dito dahil ‘yun naman ‘yung goal ng lahat kapag nasa competition lalo na [kapag] malaking event,” Ramirez told the Varsitarian.
Llamas succumbed to Turkmenistan’s Erkin Omurkazow in the semifinal of the 65-kg kurash category – an Indian sport with rules nearly similar to judo.
In poomsae, top Tiger Jin Rodolfo Reyes Jr. reaped silver in the individual men’s category scoring 116.7 points overall.
Reyes, along with his 2017 SEA Games teammates Dustin Jacob and Enrico Mella, earned the bronze plum in the group category.
“Sobrang saya sa feeling to bring honor again for our country and this time, I’m happy with my performance,” Reyes said in an online interview.
Lady Jin Jo Ninobla’s 112.1 points in the individual women’s category secured a silver, behind Iraq’s Marjhan Salahshouri.
The Philippines currently places 18th overall in the games with a 2-10-11 gold-silver-bronze tally.
The AIMAG is a multi-sport event organized by the Olympic Council of Asia.
