THE ATENEO Judo Association (AJA) showcased their collective strength at the Philippine Ultimate Judo Championship, held from October 4 to 5 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the City of Manila. Proudly adorning the Blue and White gi, the Blue Eagles captured a total of seven medals, marking another powerful display for the team on the national stage.
The Blue Eagles faced a stacked field of 41 local and international clubs for the weekend tourney. The lineup included familiar mother-league foes such as the University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of the Philippines, and University of the East, as well as international clubs coming from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Brunei. Clubs from across the country also tested and battled the Blue Eagles coming from Cebu, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, and Ateneo de Zamboanga. The tournament brought together the best judokas from the country and across Asia, making for an intense and highly competitive weekend on the mats.
In the Cadets Division, representing the Men’s Team was Datu Mamaril, who secured a bronze medal in the -90kg category, defeating Stephen Valmores from the UST Judo Juniors Team, kicking off the medal haul for Ateneo.
In the Seniors Division, representing the Women’s Team, Janelle Panes captured bronze in the -52 kg category, while Robynne Gonzales represented the Blue Eagles for the -57 kg division.
Under the Men’s division, Miguel Jalit and Josh Bolipata earned silver and bronze, respectively, in the -60 kg division. Eoin Sarapuddin also bagged a silver in the -100kg division. To round out the team’s haul, Joaquin Veloso brought home a bronze in the +100kg category.
Head Coach Ali Sulit clinched a gold medal in the Masters’ division 46-50 YO -81kg category, while the former Men’s Team Captain Martel Agustin earned silver in the Masters’ 30-35 YO +90kg division.
The team’s showing at the Philippine Ultimate Judo Championship followed their strong outing at the 2nd Leg of the NCR Judo Association Tournament last August 30, where Panes and Sarapuddin each took home gold, and Gonzales earned bronze.
Closing their campaign at this year’s Philippine Ultimate Judo Championship, AJA carried the Blue Eagle spirit with pride and purpose. Now, with their momentum high, the Blue Eagles are gearing up for their long-awaited mother-league season next semester.
