MVP-Meralco Philippine Taekwondo League kicks off

MANILA, Philippines - Taekwondo jins from La Salle and University of the East, the reigning UAAP men’s and women’s champions, respectively, take the spotlight as the 2016 MVP Sports Foundation-Meralco Philippine Taekwondo League kicks off on Sunday at the SM Bicutan Mall in Parañaque City.

La Salle and UE loom as the early favorites in the showcase competition organized by the Philippine Taekwondo Association and supported by PLDT, Meralco, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

“The Philippine Taekwondo League features the elite jins from the top UAAP, NCAA and other schools that have strong taekwondo programs,” said tournament director and former national standout Stephen Fernandez.

“The tournament also serves as a proving ground for promising and talented athletes who will one day be channeled into the PTA’s national pool,” added Fernandez.

He said the electronic scoring system using sensors as well as instant video replay will be used during the tournament similar to what is done in international competitions.

“Following international standards, we want our results to be fair, objective and accurate,” Fernandez said, “and make our matches more spectator-friendly.”    

The La Salle bets take to the mat against their Lyceum counterparts at 1 p.m. followed by the other men’s seniors clash pitting UE against Arellano University in the series that will be going around SM malls on a virtually weekly basis.

The senior women’s matches have Rizal Technological University, a taekwondo powerhouse in the State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association, battling La Salle at 3:30 p.m., Lyceum meeting UE at 4:30 p.m. before Arellano U and College of St. Benilde tangle in the last match at 5:30 p.m.

Each team is composed of five players and five alternates in designated weight classes and age groups. The seniors division is limited to athletes 18 to 28 years old, juniors 15-17, and cadet 12-14.