By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippines’ Team Bagsik has made heads turn as it took home five gold medals to finish fifth in the recent 2025 Asian Muaythai Championships in Thái Nguyên, Vietnam.
LJ Rafael Yasay led Bagsik’s charge as he reigned in Wai Kru and male -51kg in the U23 events.
Equally impressive was Alyssa Kylie Mallari who lorded over the women’s senior Wai Kru, and female U23 with Rhichein Yosorez.
Yosorez added a silver in the U23 female -45kg category.
Ariel Lee Lampacan followed it up with a one gold and one bronze in the male senior Wai Kru and elite -57kg class, respectively.
Aside from Yosorez, Floryvic Montero (women’s elite -51kg) and Albert Pangsadan (U23 male -48kg) also won silvers in their respective events.
Host Vietnam expectedly topped the event with 14 golds, 16 silvers, and 16 bronzes.The Vietnamese were followed by UAE (8-4-4), Kazakhstan (7-7-6), and Thailand (6-4-0).
The week-long competition was joined by athletes from 22 countries across the continent.
