THE Philippines hosts another important international sports competition when the Philippine Taekwondo Association stages the Asian taekwondo qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on April 16-17 at the Marriot Convention Center Grand Ballroom at the New Port Complex in Pasay City.
“It’s a big honor for our country to be chosen by the World Taekwondo Federation (WFT) to host this event,” said Organizing Committee Chairman Sung Chon Hong.
Athletes from 43 Asian countries will participate in the Manila event sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee-affiliated WTF and promoted by the Asian Taekwondo Union.
In preparation for the Philippines’ qualifying bid, Hong said the PTA has invited the powerhouse Korean National Sports University (KNSU) team to train the Filipino in Manila.
One of the best Korean taekwondo schools known for producing many Olympic and world champions, KNSU is also ranks high in sharpening an athlete’s skillsskills and techniques and boosting his spirit.
The Koreans will train Filipino standouts twice a day from March 6 to 22. After training with the Korean team, the Filipinos will undergo hard work and preparations from March 28 to April 10 at the PTA headquarters at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“The training will be spirited and intensive. We’d like to put our competitors in top shape for the Asian qualification tournament,” said Hong.
The major Asian taekwondo event will be supported by Smart, MVPSF, PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.