Custodio captures first gold for PH in 2024 Jiu-jitsu Championship

Kimberly Anne Custodio ruled her class and earned the gold medal in the adult female -45kg division of the 2024 Ju-Jitsu International Federation or JIFF World Championship held in Heraklion, Greece.

The 37-year-old veteran dismissed her younger opponent Balqees Abdoh Abdulla of the United Arab Emirates as she capitalized on her experience to give the Philippines a superb gold medal finish in the five-day long tournament.

Prior to her victory, the Ilongga grappler defeated Hurma Abdyyeva of Turkmenistan and Alshamsi Aysha of the UAE in the earlier matchups. 

In the same class, compatriot Daniela Palanca bagged the bronze medal after bowing out to Balqees, while Jollirine Co netted silver in the adult female -48kg category where top bet Meggie Ochoa finished at 7th place.

Meanwhile, Kaila Napolis failed to pluck a podium finish in the women’s -52kg event.