Nirza strikes gold in BIMP-EAGA Kata

(UPDATE) PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Jamie Danielle Nirza struck gold at the 2024 Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games advance women’s individual kata on Wednesday morning at NCCC Mall here.

Representing Philippines A, Nirza scored 36.5 points in the final round to top Malaysia A’s Anisa Aira Nur, who logged 36.2.

“I’m happy to achieve the feat, and I worked hard, so I’m glad to execute what I wanted to,” said the 18-year-old Nirza.

“My mindset is that I already practiced so when I perform, I’m going to give my best. I don’t have to overthink about ‘what if I make a mistake’ because I already practiced this.”

Nirza had a shot to make it a personal double gold haul but she, Yesha Ho and Rhina Kawanao fell to Malaysia B on the women’s team final, 34.6-36.7, just minutes after her individual event.

Arvin Jaydonn Santillan made it a two-medal haul for Philippines A as he claimed silver in the advance men’s individual kata.

In archery, Nathaniel Andrei Carlos and Yvonne Forcado emerged triumphant in the individual recurve men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.

Carlos of Philippines E collected six points to rule his event while Forcado nailed six as well to top hers.

Over at swimming, Phillip Adrian Sahagun of Philippines A swept his way to five gold medals after ruling the boy’s 200-m backstroke event (2:14.38.) as well as the 4×100-m medley relay with Juan Suarez, Paolo Labanon and Pietro Requiza (4:06.66).

On the other hand, Quendy Fernandez likewise grabbed her fifth gold in the girl’s 200-m backstroke as she covered the distance in 2:27.62.

Fernandez also had two silvers including the 4×100-m medley relay with Pearl Dagano, Nastassja Austria and Aniyah Austria (4:48.78) on Wednesday.