Jiu-Jitsu fighter Napolis bags first gold medal for PH

PHNOM PENH — Jiu jitsu fighter, Jenna Kaila Napolis, delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal she achieved against a former tormentor at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, reigning supreme in the women’s ne-waza GI 52 kgs at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center on Thursday, May 4.

The 25-year-old Napolis swept all her four assignments, including the final match against hometown bet Jessica Khan, 2-0, before a huge, shocked crowd.

“It was surreal. I still couldn’t believe I won,” Napolis said.

POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino with Jiu-jitsu medalists Kaila Napolis, Harvey Navarro and Karl Navarro. [photo credit: Team PHI SEA Games]
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino with Jiu-jitsu medalists Kaila Napolis, Harvey Navarro and Karl Navarro. [photo credit: Team PHI SEA Games]

It was a revenge of sorts for Napolis, who lost the gold medal to the same foe in the 49 kgs at the 2019 edition in Manila.

“I really wanted to win against her this time,” she said.

Napolis opened up her campaign with a 50-0 win over Singapore’s May Yong The, then went on to thump Thailand’s Nuchanat Singchalad, 3-0; and Vietnam’s Thi Huyen Dang, 50-0.

Meanwhile, the men’s duo of Karl and Harvey Navarro lost their matches to Thailand’s Nawin Kokaew and Panuawat Deeyatam, 68-63.5; Cambodia’s Kongmona Mithora and Touch Pikada, 66-59; and Vietnam’s Dinh Khai Ma and Ke Duong Trinh, 64-59.

The Navarros, however, went home with the bronze medal, along with the Vietnamese.

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