Tokyo Olympics’ veteran Kurt Bryan Barbosa will lead an 8-man SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Philippine Taekwondo Team vying for pride and glory against the best and toughest fighters in the world in the 2022 World Taekwondo Championships slated November 13 to 20 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Barbosa, the pride of National University, one-time Most Valuable Player in UAAP Season 81, and the first Filipino taekwondo jin to make it to the pandemic-delayed Olympics in Japan last year since Tshomlee Go in the 2008 edition, will try to rebound from a failed bid on his first world stint as he is now armed with better preparations and experiences.
“Naghanda po kami ng todo para dito. Halos dalawang buwan din po kaming nag-training sa Korea para mabawi ‘yung dalawang taong pahinga dahil sa pandemic. Babawi po ako dito,” said the 22-year-old, who failed on his mission in the 2019 edition when he lost in his Round of 64 match in the men’s finweight class.
Joining him in this prestigious competition participated in by more 100 countries, such as top contender Korea, China, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Chinese Taipei and USA, are fellow 2018 Manila Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Dave Cea (-74kg), Laila Delo (-67kg), Baby Jessica Canabal (-53kg), Joseph Chua (63kg), and Alfritz Arevalo (-68kg).
Raul Romero and Carlos Jose Padilla will be the coaches, while Raul Samson is the team manager. Former Senator Anna Dominique ‘Nikki’ Coseteng is the head of delegation.
“This tournament is important for our athletes as they are trying to earn points to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Naka-programa na sa amin ‘yung mga tournaments na makakatulong sa atin pagdating sa point system, and as much as possible, we have to join on this competition next year,” said Samson.
The competition also serves as a tune-up for the national team’s preparation for the next year’s Asian Games in China, SEA Games in Cambodia, Indoor Martial Arts Games, Asian Championships and the next edition of the World Taekwondo Championships.
The team’s participation is also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.