The Philippine Kendo Team debuted at the World Kendo Championship stage with an elimination stage finish in Milan, Italy on Thursday.

Singapore-based Melduen Castillon from Manila Kendo Club broke through the women’s individual championship’s group against Sweden’s J. Rosenhed and Finland’s M. Czimbalmos. She bowed out against Belgium’s L. Van Laecken after the latter blanked the Filipina to end the country’s run at the round of 32.

Japan dominated the category, with Mihiro Kondo overcoming compatriot Mari Suenaga with a men (head strike) at 3rd encho (overtime) after both scored a kote (wrist point) in regular time.  All four players from Japan reached the semifinals

This is the first time for the Philippines to participate in the triennial tournament, following the United Kendo Federation’s recognition by the International Kendo Federation in 2020.

Both men’s and women’s teams will see action on Friday, July 5 for the preliminary heat, while the men’s individual championship will commence on July 6.

Photo from United Kendo Federation of the Philippines.  Story updated at 11:40pm