MANILA, Philippines - Nakopo ng Philippines’ Smart team ang 32 medals kabilang na ang 13 golds, upang mapagwagian ang overall crown at patunayan ang kanilang kakayahan bilang pangunahing Southeast Asia taekwondo jins sa katatapos na 9th Asean championships sa Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam.
Anim sa ginto ng Smart Taekwondo team ang mula sa senior kyorugi (sparring) fithers na sina Jeffrey Figueroa (featherweight), Marlon Avenido (welter), Alexander Briones (heavy), Kathleen Eunice Alora (fly), Maria Criselda Roxas (welter) at Kirstie Elaine Alora (middle).
Ang iba pang gold medalists ay sina junior sparring bets Kevin Luis Sia (light), Gerry del Rosario (light middle), Kirk Barbosa (fly), Wilson Dumo (feather), Justin Mae Magdamit (fin), Leigh Anne Nuguid (fly) at April May Solimen (light) at ang poomsae female team na binubuo nina Francesca Camille Alarilla, Ma. Carla Janice Lagman at Shaneen Ched Sia.
Nasungkit din ng Pinoys ang 12 silvers, kabilang na ang lima sa seniors division at 6 bronze.
“This was a good sign for us as we prepare for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Laos,” ani Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado.