UP Maroons end 16-year UAAP judo title drought

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons ended a 16-year championship drought in UAAP men's judo at the Marikina Sports Complex.

This victory marks UP's second championship in UAAP Season 86, following their win in women's swimming.

Head coach Edgar Ordillas, who was part of the last UP championship squad in Season 70, emphasized the importance of faithfulness to the process and perseverance.

World Grappling champion Fierre Afan secured a gold medal in the lightweight division and earned the Rookie of the Year award.

UP also clinched gold medals in the featherweight and extra-lightweight divisions through captain Hyejun Lee and national athlete Sean Levyn Panganiban, respectively.

Additional gold medals from Zarchie Garay (middleweight) and Jayvee Viron Ferrer (half-middleweight) contributed to UP's total of five golds, three silvers, and four bronzes, accumulating 48 points.

The University of Santo Tomas placed second with 30 points, followed by De La Salle University and Ateneo.

In the women's division, the University of the East won the title with 37 points, while UST was second.