Eliecha Malilay, an incoming rookie for the UST Lady Judokas, added more accolades to her already impressive résumé after securing two medals — a silver and a bronze — at the JJIF 2025 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, held from Nov. 1 to 15.
The 20-year-old earned bronze in the U21 Gi Female -45 kg division before claiming silver in the U21 No-Gi Female -45 kg category, falling to defending champion Nuray Altynbek of Kazakhstan in the finals.
“I won’t lie, losing the finals match by just an advantage hurt. It felt like I’m almost there,” she told the Varsitarian. “But I’m still proud of my performance. Balancing training with a busy school schedule and adjusting to life as a student-athlete has been a big challenge, but standing on that podium reminded me why I keep going.”
“I’m just grateful to represent my country, grateful to represent UST, and grateful to keep growing in the sport I love.”
Last year, Malilay won gold in the No-Gi event at the world tilt and bronze in the Gi category.
It was Malilay’s only world-level event this year, after foregoing a chance to compete in the Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 last June.
“Every year, I always look forward to the two biggest World Championships in Jiu-Jitsu, one in Abu Dhabi and this one in Thailand. But this year, I made the choice to compete only in Thailand, and I’m thankful I did,” she said.
Malilay also faced her younger sister, Ellise, in the semifinals of the under-21 No-Gi competition, defeating her to advance to the finals.
Ellise, meanwhile, settled for silver in the same category.
“What made this year even more special is having my sister with me on the same mats,” Malilay said. “We train together, we push each other, and we share the same love for this sport.”
“Deep down, I was just happy to see my sister there because I miss her so much while I’m away at university. Competing alongside her is something I’ll always treasure.”
In an earlier interview with the Varsitarian, Ladu Judokas head coach Gerard Arce praised Malilay, describing her as nearly a complete package with a “top-notch” skill level.
Malilay committed to UST last year before enrolling in the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics’ sports management program.
Malilay is expected to be one of the Lady Judokas’ top performers in the UAAP Season 88 judo tournament, set for the second semester of the academic year.
“I have a vision, a dream, and a goal. That is to make [the UST Lady Judokas] champions. I want to be the best in both judo and jiu-jitsu,” Malilay said.
