AGELESS Antheo Tundag poses at the podium after winning the gold medal in his division during the ASJJF International Open last weekend at the Robinsons Galleria. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Aging is the foremost issue of an athlete, especially in combat sports, but not for the 48-year-old Antheo Tundag. To him, age is just a number.
The Asturias, Cebu-native Tundag, strutted his wares well last weekend when he harvested two golds and a bronze medal during the Asian Jiujitsu Federation (ASJJF) International Open at the Activity Center of Robinsons Galleria.
Tundag, a Seafarer, bested younger opponents to win the gold medal in the stacked master’s 1 Featherweight division. He also dominated the Absolute division against bigger opponents.
However, a bruised rib slowed down Tundag as he tried to make another run for the gold in the NoGi event, fell short and settled for bronze.
“I am happy with my performance. I only managed to do a two-week training camp for this event, but I am confident, because it was a short but extensive camp,” said Tundag, who represented Jiujitsu Methods. “I just want to show that with proper nutrition and discipline, age won’t be a factor in being a successful martial artist.”
“Being an athlete is not easy for me because I have to balance work, family, and training. I wanted to go for more golds during the tournament, but I suffered an injury, but still, I am grateful for this chance of showing my skills,” he added.
The ASJJF International Open was the biggest jiujitsu tournament so far this year where hundreds of grapplers all over Asia vied for supremacy.
Overlimit Jiujitsu reigned supreme in the team rankings, followed by Cebu Jiujitsu and Deftac Ribiero. – Lemuel P. Maglinte
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