Latest news with #medals
SBS Australia
19 hours ago
- General
- SBS Australia
From Perth to the podium: How these Filipino girls are kicking barriers and empowering themselves through karate in Australia
SBS Filipino 01/06/2025 36:52 Learning from the sport At first glance, karate might seem like just another extracurricular activity. But for Julianna and Quiana, it's become a way of life — a channel through which they are building confidence, fostering resilience, and proudly representing their cultural roots on and off the mat. Both girls began their martial arts journey at a young age, driven by a mix of curiosity, self-discipline, and encouragement from their families. 'What started as something as small as a sports activity we enrolled in quickly became something we were passionate about,' says 10-year-old Quiana. 'We've learned that karate is not just about self-defence — it's about who you become because of it being disciplined, full of self-confidence.' Julianna, 11, echoes the sentiment. 'It teaches you not just self-defence but how to stay calm under pressure, how to focus, be confident and how to be strong.' The now Year 5 student began learning karate at the age of six, and since starting to compete locally and nationally in 2023, Quiana Zulueta has been bringing home medals. Credit: Supplied by Alma Zulueta More than just winning medals An only child, Quiana began learning karate at around six years old. Since making her competitive debut in 2023, the Year 5 student has amassed an impressive collection of gold medals from local state tournaments across Western Australia. She has also made her mark on the national stage, winning several medals, including two golds, at the National Karate Championships in 2023 and 2025, and a bronze in 2024. "More than a sport, karate has given me a lot. Being active, being disciplined and responsible too. I also make new friends through karate," Quiana shares. Julianna Billones hopes to continue with karate for as long as she can. Credit: Supplied by Dianne Billones Eldest of two, Julianna started attending karate lessons at the age of five. "To prepare for a competition, I train at the dojo four times a week," shares the Year 6 student. "It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's all worth it when you see how far you've come." Before discovering karate, Quiana struggled with bullying related to her physique, but the sport helped her build confidence and strength, both inside and out. "I used to be bullied by kids who were bigger and taller than me," Quiana says. "But now, I've learned to ignore them — they don't bother me anymore." Quiana performing her kata (form and drills) during a competition. Credit: Supplied by Alma Zulueta Both Julianna and Quiana train rigorously multiple times a week under the guidance of experienced instructors and have already begun to make waves in local and national competitions. Their kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) performances are earning respect in a sport where female representation, especially among young girls of diverse backgrounds, is still growing. Kicking boundaries While karate is often perceived as a male-dominated sport, Quiana's dad, Allan, believes that "it's a sport that women and girls can equally embrace and excel in". "Since she likes the sport, we as parents are just always here to support her," Mr Zulueta reiterates. Dianne Billiones, Julianna's mum, agrees. "As long as she finds joy in what she's doing, we'll stand by her every step of the journey." "Beyond covering the costs of lessons, travel, and competitions, we always remind Julianna to simply do her best and enjoy the sport." For both Quiana and Julianna, learning a sport mainly dominated by their male counterparts has its challenges, but they understand that karate offers more than just physical skill — it's a source of empowerment. Their focus is more on discipline, mental resilience, and respect for others, developing their stronger sense of identity and self-worth. The two are proving that karate, too, is a powerful force for transformation. They are not just defending themselves — they are confidently claiming their space in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and in doing so, opening doors for others to follow. Julianna Billones (right), when she was just starting with karate, has also inspired her younger sister, Jamie, to try the sport at age three. Credit: Supplied by Dianne Billones Filipino pride As they continue to train and collect medals at such a young age, the two girls are keenly aware of how their Filipino heritage and dedication shape their identity as athletes. 'We're proud of where we come from,' says Quiana. 'It motivates us to work harder and show that girls like us can achieve great things.' The young Zulueta also hopes to one day represent her heritage — if not Australia, then the Philippines — on the international karate stage. The girls are becoming role models in their community, showing that with dedication and the right mindset, young people can rise to meet challenges in any arena. Their journey is also inspiring other Filipino-Australian families to consider karate not just for protection, but for the values it instils: respect, humility, and perseverance. 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
Arab News
5 days ago
- General
- Arab News
UAE U-21s enjoy success at 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships
AMMAN: The UAE's U-21s notched up 10 medals in their category on the final day of the 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, bringing the team's total for the competition to 22. The Emirati athletes, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, gave outstanding performances across the event, winning three gold, two silver and five bronze medals. The gold medalists were Mariam Al-Ali (45kg), Rashed Mohammed Al-Shehhi (56kg) and Ammar Al-Hosani (94kg). Silvers went to Aysha Al-Shamsi (45kg) and Alanood Al-Harbi (48kg), with Alanood Al-Hosani (57kg), Rashid Al-Haimeini (+94kg), Saeed Al-Nuaimi (62kg), Ahmad Andeez (69kg) and Fahad Al-Hammadi (77kg) taking bronze. Several dignitaries attended the event, including Hamad Al-Matrooshi, acting charge d'affaires at the UAE Embassy in Amman, and Khaled Al-Ali and Aisha Al-Shehhi, both members of the UAE diplomatic corps. Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation board, said: 'This achievement highlights the athletes' technical maturity and mental focus, as well as their ability to succeed against top-level competitors across Asia. Our preparation included both local and international training camps focused on tactical and physical development — something that clearly paid off during the competition.' Rashed Mohammed Al-Shehhi, who won gold in the 56kg division, said he was delighted take such a significant victory. 'The matches were not easy, especially the final, where I faced a highly skilled and experienced opponent. I relied on tactical discipline and exploited my opponent's flaws at vital points. With the coaches' instruction and the rigorous preparation, we underwent, I was able to impose my style and secure the victory,' he said. Fellow gold medalist Mariam Al-Ali added the competition and diverse techniques had been challenging. 'I experienced various technical hurdles that needed me to constantly change my plan, but I was able to transition quickly between offense and defense and employ ground control efficiently,' she said. 'The technical assistance provided by our coaches prior to and throughout the event was critical in building my confidence. This gold medal is just the beginning; my dreams are expanding, and I'll keep working hard to reach even higher levels.'
Jordan Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Jordan wins 7 medals at Asian Jiu-Jitsu championship
AMMAN — The Jordanian national jiu-jitsu team on Sunday secured a total of seven medals, one gold, three silver, and three bronze, on the third day of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, currently taking place at Prince Hamzah Hall in Al Hussein Youth City in Amman. Mohammad Hamdan clinched the gold medal in the under-62kg category, while Khaled Harahsheh and Shujaa Harahsheh earned silver in the under-62kg and under-69kg categories, respectively. Yaman Ismail also claimed silver in the under-85kg division, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Othman Yaseen won the bronze medal in the under-94kg category, and Abdelkarim Mukhalba secured bronze in the under-77kg category, all within the jiu-jitsu contact competitions. Additionally, Zeina Saleh won a bronze medal in the under-70kg category in the jiu-jitsu division.
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
UEFA apologises after running out of medals during Europa League final ceremony
May 23 (Reuters) - UEFA has apologised for running out of winners medals during the Europa League final trophy ceremony on Wednesday after more Tottenham Hotspur players than expected lined up to receive their individual prizes. Spurs captain Son Heung-min and two other players, the last to line up for individual medals, were left empty-handed after their team beat Manchester United 1-0 to win the club's fourth European title on Wednesday. Son lifted the trophy without a medal around his neck. 'To our great displeasure, we did not have enough medals available on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count ..." British media quoted European soccer's governing body as saying on Thursday. "More team members – including injured players – participated in the ceremony than initially anticipated. 'The missing medals were promptly delivered to the winning team in the dressing room, along with our sincerest apologies for the oversight.'
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
World War One medals of former Hull coroner up for auction
World War One medals awarded to a former Hull coroner are being Jennings was a medical student when he was called up to serve as a surgeon probationer on the destroyer HMS Waveney in the war he qualified as a doctor and also studied law, becoming the coroner for Hull in medals are due to be auctioned in Scarborough on Thursday and are expected to fetch up to £250. Jessica Tarver, of auctioneers David Duggleby, said Mr Jennings spent most of the war based on the Humber Estuary carrying out anti-submarine and counter-mining patrols in the North Sea."The medals themselves are not uncommon – the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, plus the St John Service Medal and Star," she said."What makes the group rare is the fact that it was awarded to a surgeon probationer."Ms Tarver said there was ongoing debate about how many of "these extraordinary young men" there were."It seems likely that there were no more than 1,000 and the figure could be as low as 500," she to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
