Region 6 taekwondo jins dominate nat’l kyorugi tourney

Taekwondo jins from Western Visayas made a spectacular finish in the national arena as they wrapped up 45th National Taekwondo Championships – Kyorugi with harvested medals at the Ayala Malls Manila.

The region’s squad got the championship trophy in the Junior Female while settling for second runners up in the Cadet Boys and Girls categories.

Leading the assault, the Iloilo Mark V. Pinggol (MVP) taekwondo gym romped away with head after collecting eight gold, three silver, and five bronze medals. They were awarded as the tournament’s second runner-up in the grade school girls’ black-belt division.

Fresh from his return, Jhed Anthony Morata impressed the crowd with his gold medal finish. Samantha Gayle Go, Ianna Gabriella Rosales, Maria Beatriz Santos, Prince Ivan Dugayo, Mc Greg Alfonso Donguila, Mary Bernadette Algarja, and Mickael Wynn Cerbo also ruled their respective matches to take home the coveted gold.

For Rosales mother, Tim, she said her and Ianna are like sisters so its not hard for her to ask her or talk about what she wants.

“I just encourage her to have a healthy competition, always maintain a positive and optimistic outlook and letting her do things independently because I know it will make her feel secure and proficient. It was a good game! She just cried because she really felt bad for her friend, who was her opponent in the finals, but she realized that at the end of the day it’s a competition so they don’t have any choice but to fight,” she added.

As a parent, Rosales said she felt a little stress, nervous,scared at the same time excited, especially that it was her child’s first time to join the national competition. So whether she lose or win it’s a previledge to be one of the competitors.

“I am glad that Ianna is enjoying taekwondo with her coaches and friends. I am looking forward to more trainings and more sweats and tears to come. And I must look forward to the next medals to be achieved. Just keep in believing in yourself ate. You know that we are all proud of you,” she disclosed.

Reyven Ken Decolongon, Sophia Maria Bautista, and Eduardo Adenic III got the silver medal; while Cian Veedant Alonday, Eujean Ivanka Castete, Anna Francesca Cordova, James Annrhey Pecayco, and Sophia Grace Go captured the bronze medals.

Red Dyron Lusaya, Khent Warlie Donguila, Enzo Lucio Cape, Sheine Nicole De Asis, and Jannah Ysabel Velez joined the Top 10 qualifiers.

For Iloilo MVP coach Denmark Pinggol, he said he was challenged because they just came from the Poomsae tournament and they got good results. Same outcome with with the Kyorugi team. With the support of their baby coaches and parents, they reached the expected outcome of this tournament.

“One more challenge is that most of our jins are first timers and they only have online training and first face-to-face sparring. We were able to overcome the national stage. I could say that compared to other teams, we are outnumbered but the results are overwhelming. This would not be possible without the help of my coaches at my back, the parents and the trust of the jins to our programs,” he added.

Meanwhile, A Diasnes jins also wowed the crowd after a diminishing performance in Manila.

Kyrie Zane P. Pallada, Mary Noelle T. Alim spearheaded the A Team after snatching the gold medals.

Jacob Kyrie K. Samontanes, Neilin Jo S. Samson, Sherimei Anne S. Hojilla, Neal Johann T. Acuba, Kirchz O. Jagolino, Janus Miguel D. Tacsagon, Sam Isaac E. Alog, Justine James J. Diasnes, and Vincent Angelo D. Divinagracia won the silver medals; while Jacob Elijah G. Bermejo, Jella Deanice J. Junsan, Hannah Margarette R. Dello, Diana Ashley R. Dello, Jella Deanice J. Junsan, Anne Sherrine Nicole D. Dador, Carina Andrea A. Duran, Cathleen Althea A. Duran, Ashton James I. Alvarez, Jesson Carl J. Posadas, Radek L. Divinagracia, Kyle D. Chin, Klyzsa D. Chin, and Gabrielle Dominique P. Dacumos received the bronze medals.

Belonging to the quarterfinals were Railee Gevero, Carl Artemiz S. Tanagon, Mae, Anthonette Desalit, Lianne Faith D. Dador, Sophia Lorraine D. Dador, Nash Ivan C. Eraste, Kean Ryth R. Bornazal, Vaughn Randall C. Genona, John Gabriel Tungala, Mhelann Haley D. Divinagracia, and Sealtiel L. Dilag.

Zarraga Taekwondo Dojang-Iloilo Stingers also made waves in the tournament. The gold medal was won by Mary Noelle Alim of Central Philippine University while Nheza Pauline Gonzales and Djezelree Clavel got the silver medal. Imar Pinuela of University of San Agustin and Lorenzo Caine Morales Anota reached the eliminations.

Moreover, Venancio Taekwondo Academy (VTA) Roxas City Capiz also gave pride to the region after winning big in the tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA). They garnered 11 gold, three silver, and one bronze medals.

Anya Yssabel Georgina Deocampo, Alekz Gino Espinosa, Jent David Cerujano, Shavy Lim, Bless Nolino Joshua Lopez, Aerv Gabrielle Deocampo, Alexia Chonne Espinosa, Regina Alfaro, Pierre Dominique Rae Rose, and Samanta Estores ruled their respective matches and won the gold medals

Xyck Gabrielle Santos, Chleann Levi Robles, and Niel Mirasol secured the silver medals while Leighton Terese Paragas got the lone bronze medal.

Joven Venancio, VTA head coach shared the same sentiments with other coaches.

“Since this is the first face-to-face sparring competition after the pandemic, it was pretty intense and all participants especially my players were very excited as well. Competition wise, it was a great experience since we have atleast 1,500 participants all over the country. PTA used the new ground rules for the competition making it more exciting and challenging for all of us.

It was not easy to get a medal since all participants were caliber players. Fortunately, through our players’ hardwork and discipline on trainings, turnouts for our team was very positive and overwhelming,” he added.IMT Sports