For some of the participants and officials of the 14th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf) World Championships, this year’s edition of the biennial event held at the Convention Hall of the J Centre Mall in Mandaue City was better than the previous one held in Hungary in 2014.
Among those who thought so was Szilard Toth of Slovakia, who also participated in the stick fighting war two years ago.
“Hungary was nice, too. But the Philippines is very flexible when it comes to the game schedules,” he said. “It was a worthwhile experience. I’m the only Slovakian and it felt like home away from home.”
Toth also commended the efforts of the tournament organizers for putting up a spectacular competition.
“This was bigger compared to Hungary. I’m grateful that they put up a tournament like this. It’s bigger and better,” Toth added.
Supreme Grand Master (SGM) Dionisio “Diony” Cañete couldn’t have been happier after hearing positive comments from foreign athletes.
“I feel so honored but credit should be given to the staff who really worked hard,” he said, noting the work done by Michael and Gerald Cañete and chiefs of staff Shiela and Ronald Villanueva.
However, SGM Cañete believes that there’s still more room for improvement when the World Championships returns to Cebu in 2020.
“We have to improve more on the governing rules on knife fighting, foam fighting, long stick fighting and we will be including Espada y Daga in 2020 as an additional event,” SGM Cañete added.
Because of the success of the recent tournament, SGM Alfred Bandalan already feels the pressure of trying to come up with a good hosting in 2018 in the Islands of Hawaii.
“It’s exciting pressure since we’ll be holding the tournament. We will double the participating countries in the next edition because by then, our emissaries can attract other countries. 60 countries is our target,” Bandalan said.
Bandalan said that the 15th edition will be “extra special” since they will be celebrating the 30th year of WEKAF in Hawaii.
Yesterday, Bandalan along with Atty. Amorito Cañete, SGM Dionisio Cañete, GM Arnold “Dong” Cuesta and Mr. Nonito “Dodong” Limchua of CCTN 47 were recognized for their efforts of strengthening and spreading the art of stick fighting all over the world.
“It took us 28 years to have Wekaf. We gave the sport a brand name and I couldn’t put everything into words. In anything we do, we always aim to unite from all over the world through Eskrima,” Bandalan said.
The Philippines claimed the crown in the 14th edition of the World Championships for the third time since 2000. The Filipinos also won the titles in 2000 and 2012.
The Philippines finished with 67 gold medals, 65 silvers and 50 bronze medals to dethrone the United States of America (USA), which finished in second place with a haul of 41-29-34.
Completing the top ten are Japan (22-12-15), Australia (12-5-13), Canada (10-10-11), Hungary (8-6-11), Reunion Island (6-11-13), Italy (3-3-5), United Kingdom (2-5-8) and Liechtenstein (1-3-3).