Thirty-One Filipino taekwondo athletes—21 in kyorugi (free sparring) and 10 in poomsae (forms)—will see action in the Chuncheon Korea Taekwondo Championships in Chuncheon City on July 4 to 10.
Carrying the colors of SMART/MVP Sports Foundation, the well-trained Filipinos are expected to put up a good performance in the event against tough rivals from 59 other countries such as Iran, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and China, among others.
The competition will serve as part of the Filipinos’ preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be hosted by the Philippines later this year.
The Philippine campaigners, always considered among the top contenders in prestigious international events, are:
Male (free sparring)—Kurt Bryan Barbosa (-54kg), Rommel Pablo Jr. (-54kg), Dex Ian Chavez (-58kg), Kurt Pajuelas (-58kg), Joseph Chua (-63kg), Keno Anthony Mendoza (-63kg), Arven Alcantara (-68kg), Dave Cea (-74kg) and Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison (-80kg); Female—Veronica Garces (-46kg), Abigail Faye Valdez (-46kg), Rheza Aragon (-49kg), Baby Jessica Canabal (-49kg), Rhezie Aragon (-53kg), Loralee Natividad (-53kg), Pauline Louise Lopez (-57kg), Realis Lorena Tabiando (-57kg), Beatrice Kassandra Gaerlan (-62kg), Darlene Mae Arpon (-62kg), Laila Delo (-67kg) and Kirstie Elaine Alora (+73kg); Male (poomsae/forms)—Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Patrick King Perez, Raphael Enrico Mella, Jeordan Dominguez, Darius Venerable and Marvin Mori; Female—Rinna Babanto, Jecel Lyn Ninobla, Janna Dominique Oliva and Juvenile Faye Crisostomo.
The officials are Carlos Jose Padilla, Christian Al dela Cruz and Paul Romero, free sparring coaches; and Rani Ann Ortega, poomsae coach.
The Philippine team is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO.