LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA)-- The year 2022 was a banner year for Ifugao athletes winning in their respective   sport events in the   national and international arena and making the province proud.

Boxing champ Carl Jammes Martin is the new International Boxing Federation Pan-Pacific super bantamweight after he knocked out  Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand during the main event of the "Fight for Glory: Homecoming” held in Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet last December. Martin now holds a record of 21 wins – 0 loss and 17 wins via knockout.

KJ Natuplag is also the new World Boxing Organization Oriental Featherweight Champion after defeating Boonrueang Phayom of Thailand in the second round of their fight via Technical Knockout in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in November.   Natuplag now holds two champion belts including World Boxing Council Asian featherweight after defeating Thai boxer Attanon Kunlawong last June 2022.

In the recent South East Asian Wrestling Championship held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jeferson Calingayan, a member of the Philippine Wrestling Team, won   bronze medal in the 70kgs Freestyle Wrestling category.

Meanwhile, Jeff Roniel Nabanalan and Judel Brenth Ognayon brought home medals in the Wrestling National Open held at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna. Nabanalan won the gold medal in 65 kgs under 20 years old while Ognayon got the bronze medal in 57 kgs under 20 years old.

Ten Ifugao Muay Thai fighters also won in the recent 2022 Muay Thai National Championships held in Zubic, Zambales.

Gold medalists are Henriel Dulinayan, Achilles Shadrock Solida, Karen Dumangeng, Gwen Keira Luglug, and EJ Tultog. Jean Marie Hidung is both a MT gold and silver medalist.

The MT Silver medalists are Jershon Gahid and Clifford Habbiling. Whinny Bayawon and Indira Jewel Luglug are bronze medalists.

The Lagawe local government unit awarded Certificates of Commendation to all Lagaweans athletes during the LGU's first flag-raising ceremony for this year in   January 3.(JDP/FBR-PIA CAR,Ifugao)