In just three years, 14-year-old Salko Osmundo Gonnay Velic, an Igorot phenom from Kalinga, has made a remarkable ascent in the world of combat sports. Recently selected to join the Philippine Muaythai National Team, Salko is now set to compete on the global stage at the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Youth Muaythai Championships in Thailand, scheduled from September 11-20. This prestigious event is the pinnacle of amateur Muaythai competition worldwide.
From Gadget-Dependent Teen to Muaythai Phenom
Salko's story is one of transformation and determination. His coach, Erwin Tagure of Tribu Banwar, recalls how the young Igorot phenom was once a gadget-dependent teenager before being introduced to combat sports in 2021. Recognizing Salko's potential, Coach Tagure offered him a scholarship, marking the beginning of his Muaythai training.
In just a short time, Salko's commitment and dedication began to yield impressive results. Competing in various local and national Muaythai tournaments, he consistently earned medals, most of them gold. His relentless pursuit of excellence eventually secured him a spot on the national team-a significant achievement for such a young athlete.
Dedication and Discipline: Keys to Success
Salko's success is rooted in his unwavering dedication and discipline. Coach Tagure describes him as a hardworking and diligent individual, qualities that have significantly contributed to his rapid rise in the sport. Despite starting as a skinny teenager with a strong attachment to gadgets, Salko quickly adapted to the rigorous demands of Muaythai training. His discipline is evident not only in his athletic performance but also in his willingness to help out around the gym, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years.
The guidance and mentorship provided by Coach Tagure have been instrumental in Salko's development as an athlete. Tagure's ability to nurture Salko's potential has played a crucial role in shaping him into the formidable competitor he is today.
A Trailblazer for Future Igorot Athletes
Salko's inclusion in the Philippine Muaythai National Team is a historic milestone, making him the first home-based Kalinga combat sports athlete to achieve this honor. His achievements are likely to inspire other young Igorot athletes, showing them that with dedication and the right support, they too can reach the highest levels of their chosen sports.
Eyes on the Future
As Salko prepares for the upcoming IFMA World Youth Muaythai Championships, the Kalinga community and the nation as a whole are watching with anticipation. His journey from a gadget-dependent teenager to an international Muaythai competitor is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, discipline, and the guidance of a dedicated mentor.
Salko Osmundo Gonnay Velic's story is about more than just winning medals; it embodies the transformative power of sports and the immense potential within every young athlete. As he steps onto the international stage, this Igorot phenom represents not only the Philippines but also the hopes and dreams of the Kalinga community, setting a shining example for future generations of athletes.
