The Philippines closed out its campaign in the Karate One Youth League with a strong medal haul after hometown standouts Francis Erl Jud Abundo and Kathleya Elaine Bustamante each delivered gold medals to lead the national team’s productive finish at SM Mall of Asia.

Abundo and Bustamante powered the host nation’s breakthrough performances in the World Karate Federation-sanctioned event, helping the country secure two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes in a tournament that featured nearly 800 young karatekas from 58 countries.

Their victories highlighted the Philippines’ resilience after several days of intense competition, with local athletes finally delivering championship performances in front of the home crowd.

Gold lifts hosts

On the eve of his 13th birthday, Abundo dominated Brunei’s Azlee Khairi bin Wan Zuraimi with an emphatic 7-0 victory to capture the under-14 male kumite -40kg title. His aggressive offensive approach and relentless execution proved too much for his opponent in the gold medal match.

Abundo’s road to the championship included an impressive semifinal win over top-seeded Nikita Komarov, where he consistently landed body strikes to secure a decisive victory. The young Las Piñas standout credited his attacking style for allowing him to control the finals from start to finish.

Bustamante, meanwhile, provided the Philippines with its long-awaited breakthrough after building an early lead and fending off Australia’s Ana Jovic, 6-2, to win the under-14 female kumite -47kg crown. Her emotional triumph marked a career-defining moment as she captured her first major international title.

Medal haul grows

The Philippine team also collected silver medals through Dean Caleb Montalbo and Alexa Rae Vallesteros in the under-14 kata divisions, further boosting the host country’s medal tally. Both athletes displayed strong technical performances but ultimately fell short against highly skilled international rivals.

Ashana Geanne Sabote and Kaylani Vergara added bronze medals through determined repechage victories, ensuring the Philippines finished with a balanced podium presence across multiple categories. Their contributions helped complete one of the host nation’s most fruitful youth karate campaigns.

With six total medals, the Philippines demonstrated the strength of its emerging grassroots karate program while showcasing young athletes capable of competing at the global level. The impressive showing also builds momentum for upcoming national competitions, including the Palarong Pambansa, where several medalists aim to continue their rise.