No less than 2,000 taekwondo athletes will hunt for medals when they vie in the 2019 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation (free sparring) and PLDT Home Ultera (poomsae) national age group championships on Sept. 7-8 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Talented performers as young as 4 years old are among the participants in the annual event which supports the grassroots program of the country’s most popular martial arts sport.
The free sparring entries will be categorized into Novice and Advance with three divisions under each category — Juniors, Cadet and Gradeschool for male and female.
Poomsae or forms is open to colored belts and blackbelts students for individual and team events. It is performed by following a systematic time of movements in consecutive sequence against an imaginary opponent or multiple opponents. Constant poomsae training helps improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.
Competition will start at 9 a.m. but the opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 8
Martial arts enthusiasts and sports fans, specially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch the two-day tournament.
Sponsors include Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO.