Meralco/MVPSF taekwondo tilt set May 21-22

MANILA, Philippines – Around 1,500 athletes will see action in the 2016 Meralco/MVP Sports Foundation National New Face of the Year taekwondo championships on May 21-22 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Organizing Committee Chair Sung Chon Hong says the event is the Philippine Taekwondo Association’s commitment to push for the development of the sport as well as its support to the government’s grassroots sports program.

“This competition gives taekwondo newcomers the chance to show their techniques and styles as they bid to become the country’s future stars,” says Hong, PTA’s CEO (chief executive officer).  

Fighters from all PTA chapters and branches in Metro Manila and the provinces including the various military commands will vie for honors in eight categories, namely, senior men and women, junior men and women, Cadet (men and women), and grade school (boys and girls).

Each category has competition for advance and novice fighters.

Taekwondo is considered as the most popular martial art sports here due to the country’s success in prestigious international events. Only recently, two Filipino female fighters – Kirstie Elaine Alora and Pauline Lopez – made waves in the Asian qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympics and the Asian Championships held last month at the Marriott Convention Center in Pasay City.

Alora earned a slot in the Rio Olympic Games set this August while Lopez bagged a gold medal in the 22nd Asian Championships.

The tourney is supported by SMART Communications Inc., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, PLDT and Milo.

Parents interested to enroll their children in taekwondo and other sports enthusiasts are invited to witness the competition, which starts at 9 a.m.