A nine-year-old student-athlete from Lambunao, Iloilo made a fiercing performance in the international scene as he bagged two gold medals in the World Peace Taekwondo Festival at Shinhan University in South Korea from Aug. 1-12, 2019.

Ashton Martin Losaria, a Grade 5 pupil of Harvester Christian Academy defeated all his competitors in the tournament. He won two gold medals in the kyorugi and Poomsae events, both in elementary and masterlist categories.  

Trained by gold medalist and coach Ben Capadosa, a sports specialist of Lambunao National High School, Ashton is the only player from the province of Iloilo who competed in the world tournament. Capadosa is the only playing coach from Iloilo. He is a 3rd Dan black belt and head instructor of NEB 1 Taekwondo Academy. 

“I am happy representing Philippines in the world competition. This is my first time joining in such competition and I did not expect to win gold medals in all my games,” he said

During the finals clash, Capadosa outmuscled Korea and China to take home the coveted medals. 

Aside from Losaria and Capadosa, Ilonggo jins also pocketed 30 medals in competition. 

Of the total medals, the team salvaged 20 gold medals to shine in the competition. With three gold medals, Fyll Krystyl Xylyl pacec Region 6 delegation, winning in individual poomsae, mixed pair poomsae, along with a kyorugi event.

Former Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions Quinn Pauline Hormigoso also grabbed two gold medals in individual poomsae and mixed poomsae, along with a bronze in kyorugi. 

Sophia Tungala captured two gold medals in individual poomsae and kyorugi, before settling for a silver in a mixed pair event. Antonio Miguel Nafarrete bagged gold medals in individual poomsae and kyorugi, along with a silver in a mixed pair event. 

In addition, Ayna Tajanlangit snatched gold medals in individual poomsae and mixed pair, plus a bronze in kyorugi. Other gold medalists included Jesseray Frantilla, Lil Mayden Torrefiel Niverca, and Alexander Bell 

A Diasnes Gym head coach Flora Navales won three medals, including a gold in a mixed pair event, silver in individual poomsae, and bronze in kyorugi.IMT