TWO Southeast Asian Games gold winners and two other international medalists have been named by the Philippine Taekwondo Association to compete in the Asian qualifying event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games scheduled on April 16-17 at the Marriott Convention Center Grand Ballroom, New Port Complex in Pasay City.
These are Samuel Thomas Morrison and Pauline Louise Lopez, both 2015 SEAG champions, Francis Aaron Agojo, 2015 SEAG silver winner and Levita Ronna Ilao, bronze medalist in the 2015 SEAG and the Asian Games.
Kyorugi (free sparring) fighters from 40 other countries eye Olympic participation thru the Asian qualifying event hosted by the Philippines and sanctioned by the World Taekwondo Federation.
“It is an honor for our country to stage this important qualifying competition,” says Sung Chon Hong, PTA chief executive officer. “It will also boost the spirit of our jins, since they will be performing before their countrymen.”
The PTA has also been chosen to stage the 2016 Asian Taekwondo Championships (senior kyorugi) and the 4th Asian Poomsae championships right after the qualifying competition.
Members of the Philippine teams in the Asian qualifying, Asian championships and Asian Poomsae are expected to do well in the coming events because of their long training and preparation.
Among the Filipino poomsae participants are 2015 SEAG gold medalists Dustin Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella and Rodolfo Reyes Jr.