Thirteen crack Filipino jins – eight men and five women – will vie for honors in the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships on June 24-30 in Muju, South Korea.
The Filipino fighters, who are seeing action against tough competitors from 169 other countries including Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Chinese-Taipei and the United States, will carry the colors of SMART/MVP Sports Foundation, according to the Philippine Taekwondo Association.
The Filipino entries are: Male – Jenar Torillos (-54 kg), Francis Aaron Agojo (-58 kg), Joaquin Mendoza Jr. (-63 kg), Arven Alcantara (-68 kg), Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison (-74 kg), Christian Al Dela Cruz (-80 kg), Abram Lance Cuvinar (-87 kg) and Kristopher Robert Uy (+87 kg); Female – Karen Celis (-46 kg), Rheza Aragon (-49 kg), Rhezie Aragon (-53 kg), Pauline Louise Lopez (-57 kg) and Kirstie Elaine Alora (-73 kg).
Most of the members of the team are going to see action in the coming Kuala Lumpur SEA Games this August.
Accompanying the athletes are delegation head Tem Igor Mella, male team coach Dindo Simpao and female team coach John Paul Lizardo.
Simpao and Lizardo will use the tournament to toughen up their players for the KL Games.
Aside from seeking medals, the Filipino jins will use the world competition as part of their preparation for the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia this August.
The Philippines has always been considered among the top contenders in international events like the World Championships, Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.
