The University of Santo Tomas came out on top with three medals in the Philippine World Judo Day Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Badminton Hall yesterday.
The UST Men 1 team defeated the University of the Philippines Judo 2 team, 3-2, in the final for the team event.
The Tigers also took the bronze away from the Maroons as UST Men 2 defeated UP Judo 1, 3-1.
In women’s play, the University of the East took home the team event gold after winning all four matches with Ateneo Judo Association settling for a silver medal after a 3-1 win-loss record.
UST completed the podium in third place with a 2-2 record.
The two-day festivity, which started last Saturday, was in celebration of World Judo Day, which is based on the birthday of the sport’s founder, Jigoro Kano.
After the tournament, Philippine Judo Federation president Alexander Sulit gave a free grappling lesson to the participants, which is something the national sports association wanted to do to give back to those who attended.
“To add to the celebration of World Judo Day, the PJF wanted to offer something free for its members who came here this weekend. I’m very happy with the reception of everybody who attended,” Sulit told DAILY TRIBUNE.
“In my point of view, everybody enjoyed and did learn.”
PJF secretary general Dave Carter said the equipment used is up to par with the ones used in international tournaments.
“We’re very happy that this competition is well-participated by the members of the Philippine Judo Federation. You can see we used the proper Judo equipment, our athletes are wearing the proper Judo attire and everybody’s happy,” Carter said.
