AFTER their sterling performances in the recent Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championships wushu sanda tournament in Pasig City, Nhaya Mahal Paden, Angelica Datulayta and John Paul Gavan of King's Sword Martial Arts were invited to a three-month trial training with the Wushu Federation of the Philippines National Team.
If they will be able to pass the training, the three aspiring wushu athletes will have the opportunity to join the national team.
Paden, a 14-year-old Filipino-American athlete, who studies at Faith International Academy, won the gold medal in girls 52 kilogram category over her two rivals from Cebu and Iloilo city.
“I didn't go there to win, I went there to compete,” the Fil-Am gold medalist, who was accompanied by her mother Julie Spears Paden during the Davao Sports Writers Association Forum held at The Annex of SM City Davao Thurday, December 14, said.
Paden said they will still have to talk to her coach and King's Sword Martial Arts founder Nell Jone Astudillo when the training will start in Manila but she bared she would grab the opportunity next year.
Paden recalled Astudillo saw a potential in her and she eventually liked the sport, which jumpstarted her wushu career.
Datulayta, who also captured the gold in girls 42kg event, said she plans to start her training early in January 2017 if her coach would permit her.
The 15-year-old champion, however, said she is eager to take the training as it would be her chance to change her life as well as to help her family financially.
“Happy po ako dahil po nabigyan kami ng opportunity pero marami po talagang sacrifices (I’m happy because we were given the opportunity but there are several sacrifices),” she said, pertaining to being away from home and getting out of her comfort zone.
Datulayta wishes to finish her studies as she had to stop for the meantime due to family problems.
“I will do my best po para makasali sa Philippine Team kasi sila na po ang bahala sa pag-aaral ko (so I can be a part of the Philippine Team because they are the ones who will take care of my education),” she said.
Gravino, who salvaged the bronze in his category, said he is from Manila but his mother was approached by Astudillo inviting him to train wushu sanda in Davao.
After her mother agreed with his coach, he flew to Davao and took the training with the King's Sword.
He recalled his training was grueling and came to a point that he wanted to give up, but all of his doubts disappeared after winning his first tournament.
“Grabe po ang training namin, sobrang hirap talaga (Our training was harsh, it was tough),” he said, adding it was all worth it as he was fortunately given a chance to train with the national team.
The 16-year-old Davao City National High School student eyes to take the training this summer.