Smart/MVPSF Philippines jins vie in World Jr. joust

MANILA, Philippines — Nine promising Filipino taekwondo jins – five male and four female – will vie in the 2024  World Taekwondo Junior Championships slated Oct. 1-6 in Chuncheon, South, Korea.

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary-general and delegation head Rocky Samson expressed confidence the national junior team would do well in the week-long tournament that attracted the finest junior taekwondo jins in the world.

Samson said the five male players led by Michael Cabaluna Jr. (-45kg) and Felix Ace Perez (-48kg) are among the favorites in their respective divisions.

Other members of the male team that has the backing of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee are Ethan Jervey Dayne Chavez (-51kg), Mythaious Angelous Francois Lustado (-55kg) and John Angelo Pascual (-59kg).

Comprising the women’s side are Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadilena (-46kg), Tachiana Keizha Mangin (-49kg), Quynh Louise Edillor (-42kg), and Felicity Jana Castel (-44kg).

“All of them have very good chances,” said Samson. “We did well in the past so we expect them to likewise do well this time.”

Former Asian Games champion Kirstie Elaine Alora and Paul Romero have been named coaches of the squads that will challenge perennial contenders like the host nation, Thailand, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.