Slots for the Philippine team will be up for grabs when the country’s outstanding jins see action in the SMART/MVP Sports Foundation/PLDT Home Ultera National CPJ (Carlos Palanca Jr.) taekwondo championships on Sunday, February 5 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
According to organizer Philippine Taekwondo Association, around 800 athletes will display their wares in two events – kyorugi (free sparring) and poomsae (forms).
Kyorugi will feature senior, junior and Cadet male and female fighters while poomsae competition will be divided into three divisions – individual, team and pair.
PTA Secretary General Monsour del Rosario says the best performers will qualify for the national team for 2017. The competition will serve as a tune up for Philippine team members who will compete in the World Taekwondo Championships in Muju, Korea as well as the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia this August.
Del Rosario, many-time national jin and former internationalist who had delivered numerous medals for the country, expects exciting action since the participants will be aiming for slots on the national team.
Among those who are expected to display their experience and skills are Elaine Alora, Pauline Lopez, Francis Aaron Agojo, Robert Kristopher Uy, Samuel Thomas Morrison Harper and Ronna Ilao.
Parents interested to enroll their children in taekwondo and other sports enthusiasts are invited to watch the prestigious event sponsored by PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission and Milo.
Competition will start at 9 a.m.