NINETEEN well-prepared athletes will carry the Philippine colors in the 2016 World Poomsae Taekwondo Championsips slated on Sept. 22 to October 2 in Lima, Peru.
Three officials – delegation head Igor Mella, foreign coach Ji Ho Chui and international referee Stephen Fernandez – are also included on the national squad which will also banner PLDT Home Ultera and MVP Sports Foundation.
The Filipino athletes who will vie against 74 other countries like Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Germany, Chinese Taipei and the United States are:
Male – Jean Pierre Sabido, Ernesto Guzman Jr., Dustin Jacob Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Jeordan Dominguez, McAvynger Alob, Jerel Anthony Dalida, Mark Lorenz Balcita, June Ninobla, Joel Lacsamana and Glenn Lava.
Female – Rinna Babanto, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Joecel Lyn Ninobla, Angelica Joyce Gaw, Janna Dominique Oliva, Elisabeth Cesista and Ailleach Dulce Amor Perez.
The competition will serve as a vital exposure for the Filipinos who are preparing for the 2017 Southeast Asian Games and the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Poomsae or forms is a vital element in taekwondo. An athlete follows a systematic movement in consecutive sequences against an imaginary opponent or multiple opponents. The participant uses the hands and feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, striking, thrusting and kicking.
Constant training in poomsae helps improve flexibility and control in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.
The team’s other sponsors are Smart Communications, Inc., PLDT, Meralco, TV5 and Philippine Sports Commission.