MARTIAL arts enthusiasts are in for a huge treat as some of the finest stick-fighters from around the world battle for supremacy in the 14th edition of the biennial World Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation (Wekaf) Championship, which finally got going yesterday.
Tournament proper will start tomorrow at the J-Centre Mall in Mandaue City.
Over three hundred foreign eskrimadors have signed up in yesterday’s registration at the Doce Pares World Headquarters in Baragay Banilad, Cebu City.
According to Gerald Cañete, Wekaf executive director, some 200 Filipino stick-fighters will try to defend their turf as they bid to regain lost glory.
Cañete said at least 40 stick-fighters will come from Mindanao, 60 from the Visayas while the rest are from Metro Manila.
This year’s competition will introduce for the first time the double-stick competition for kids and female fighters.
The 12th edition of the meet was held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City with Filipino stick-fighters emerging as overall champions with a haul of 62 gold medals, 36 silvers and 36 bronzes. The 13th edition was hosted by Hungary with the United States winning the crown.
Participants from 33 countries were treated to a welcome party last night at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
“We can assure the safety of the participants. We have coordinated with the city government of Mandaue to make sure that everything will be smooth,” said Cañete.
Before the tournament proper, Hawaii and Australia will be figuring in an off-court battle as they bid to host the meet’s next edition.
“Hawaii is the favorite since they have been campaigning for more than a year,” Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio “Diony” Cañete said.
Taking place today is the elections of officers for the 15th Wekaf Board for 2016-2018 term.
The induction of new country members was also held yesterday. New members included Qatar, China, Vietnam, Turkey, Luxemburg and Chile.
Other competing countries include Ireland, Switzerland, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, India, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Poland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Holland, Belgium and Austria.