Twenty-nine Filipino taekwondo athletes vie for international honors when they compete in the 2019 Asian Open Championships on August 12-18 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Carrying the colors of SMART/MVP Sports Foundation, 17 of the Filipinos will vie in kyorugi (free sparring) while 12 will compete in poomsae (forms).
Handling the team are Carlos Jose Padilla V, Christian Al Dela Cruz and Paul Romero (free sparring) and Rani Ann Ortega (forms).
The Pinoy jinspit their skills against tough rivals from 34 other countries such as Korea, China, Iran, Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
The Filipino male entries in kyorugi are Kurt Barbosa (-54kg), Dex Ian Chavez (-58kg), Kurt Pajuelas (-63kg), Arven Alcantara (-68kg), Dave Cea (-74kg), Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison (-80kg), Israel Cesar Cantos (-87kg), and Kristopher Robert Uy (+87kg).
Leading the distaff side are Veronica Garces (-46kg), Rheza Aragon (-49kg), Rhezie Aragon (-53kg), Pauline Louie Lopez (-57kg), Realis Tabiando (-62kg), Darlene Mae Arpon (-67kg), Laila Delo (-73kg) and Kirstie Elaine Alora (+73kg).
The PH male participants in poomsae are Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Raphael Enrico Mella, Dustin Jacob Mella, Jeordan Dominguez, Patrick King Perez, Darius Venerable and Marvin More.
Leading the female side Rinna Babanto, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Janna Dominique Oliva and Aidaine Krishia Laxa.
The Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO are supporting the trip of the Filipinos,who are also tuning up for the Southeast Asian Games scheduled here late this year.