PHILIPPINES HAS NOW WORLD NO. 1 FEMALE MUAY THAI ATHLETE

Filipina athlete Islay Erika Bomogao is the world’s no. 1 in the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (Photo courtesy of Philippine Sports Commission)

National Muay Thai athlete Islay Erika Bomogao was hailed as the first Filipina Muay Thai champion after defeating Sarah Kwa, Australia’s Muay Thai state champion, in Kenwick, Australia. Bomogao is now ranked World No. 1 in the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations for the -45kg female elite division.

According to the Muaythai Association of the Philippines, Bomogao became a world gold medalist during the 2018 International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) Youth World Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand. She also clinched gold at the Jincheon 1st World Youth Martial Arts Masterships in 2017 in Jincheon, South Korea.

The Pinay athlete who is a licensed secondary teacher was also the Filipino female world Muay Thai champion in the 2023 IFMA Senior World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand bagging two medals. In the same year, she also won silver at Individual Female Wai Kru at the 2023 World Combat Games in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Bomogao expressed that, “I started it just out of curiosity. As a kid, I was always active. Any game or sport that caught my attention, I tried. Then I found Muay Thai which I really loved. My Filipino heritage has had a great impact in my journey as an athlete. We have this concept called 'puso' that has been instilled deeply into me. It taught me grit and a never give up attitude.”

According to Bomogao, “Muaythai is an awesome and effective martial art. It builds your self-confidence and teaches you to remain calm. It makes you become a happier person, and it teaches you how to love yourself."

Source: Manila Standard

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