THE Philippine taekwondo team sparkled anew in another international tournament by bagging 16 medals —five golds, seven silvers and four bronzes —in the prestigious 2017ASEAN Championships held recently in Perlis, Malaysia.
Carrying the colors of SMART/MVP Sports Foundation, the Filipino jins finished second overall in the six-country competition.
The Filipino gold winners were Jenar Torillos, Christian Al Dela Cruz, Kristopher Robert Uy and Leila Delo in the senior division and Romelle Pablo Jr. in the junior competition.
The other Filipino medal-producers were:
Silver—Karen Cells, Rheza Aragon, Rhezie Aragon, Noelyn Campos, Ma. Kaye Shannelle Romuar and Joaquin Mendoza Jr. (seniors) and Reign Charisse Ragutana (junior).
Bronze—Eldridge Justin Langit and Abram Lance Cuvinar (seniors) and Sturdy Jay Gilbuena and Catryn Janiella Gilbuena (juniors).
Coaches John Paul Lizardo, Dindo Simpao and Jay Futalan (strength and conditioning) praised the Filipinos for their sterling performance. “Their splendid show was not surprising. Their long training and determination paid off,” the three officials chorused.
The SMART/MVP Sports Foundation squad was supported by PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.