Koronadal City: Arvin Lim of Soccsksargen delivered two gold medals in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games karatedo competition at the SM City here Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 20-year-old from Koronadal City triumphed in the men’s individual (-75kg) and the team (Open) event alongside teammates Carlh Patrick Espino (-84kg), Jayphol Banaria (-67kg), and Jayrald Marquez (-84kg). Lim, a third-year criminology student at the Marbel School of Science and Technology, expressed satisfaction with his victories, dedicating the medals to his family and Region 12 (Soccsksargen).

Lim, who began learning karatedo at the age of seven, is a member of the King Lion Brotherhood of Martial Arts club led by coach Sonny Lim. He detailed his rigorous training regimen, consisting of 2 to 3 hours of daily practice following his classes, as preparation for the tournament. Lim’s previous accolades include a team bronze last year in Legazpi City and individual (-67kg) and team silver medals in the 2023 Zamboanga City edition.

With Soccsksargen amassing 74 golds, 64 silvers, and 35 bronzes, they are positioned at No. 2 on the senior medal tally board, trailing Central Visayas, which leads with 78 golds, 25 silvers, and 37 bronzes. PRISAA national vice chairman and Soccsksargen president Rev. Fr. Jessie Pasquin, DCC, expressed optimism about their performance, aiming for the top spot with one day remaining in the tournament.

The Cordillera region ranks third with 23 golds, 28 silvers, and 30 bronzes, followed by Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Negros Island Region, Western Mindanao, and Central Luzon. Additionally, winners in socio-cultural and academic events included Cassandra Sofia Tapia of the Bicol Region (Mutya ng PRISAA), Donna Marie Alimpol of the Negros Island Region (oration), Jodgie Baterna of Northern Mindanao (vocal solo), Rafael Denosta and Jireh Torreres of Soccsksargen (vocal duet), and Negros Island Region (PRISAAYAWAN).