INJURY did not stop karateka Miyuka Tacay to clinch a gold medal for Davao City in the just-concluded 5th Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF) National Karatedo Championship at the Fisher Mall Expo Hall in Quezon City.
Underdog Tacay stunned Camille Yamashita, 9-1, for the seniors women kumite -68 kg. title after nipping national team member Marimar Contillas of the Philippine Typhoons, 7-6.
Tacay, in Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao, said she gained confidence from her older brother Bern Rexander Tacay, who also served as her coach, when she faced doubts during the tournament.
"My coach kuya Bern always tells me to be persistent to win," Tacay said, recalling how she failed in her stints in the 2014 and Philippine National Games.
She added, "Maraming times na di kami nanalo, like last year. You will really experience losing pero pinakita ko lang na may tapang tayong mga Dabawenyo."
The 19-year-old Tacay will soon go to Manila to train with the national team. (ABM)