1,000 jins compete in club and gym tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Around 1,000 jins from Metro Manila and the provinces will vie for honors in the 2009 Smart National gym and club taekwondo championships tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“This event gives upcoming and veteran jins from various gyms and clubs affiliated with the national association the chance to show their skills,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado.

Organiziing committee chair Sung Chon Hong, on the other hand, explained that the tournament is part of PTA’s commitment to develop the sport and support the government’s grassroots program.

Participants will be classified in six categories – senior men and women, junior men and women and grade school boys and girls.

“We’re sure that new talents will emerge from the big number of entries in this competition,” said Hong. “Some of our national players are products of event such as this one.”

On Sunday, the PTA has scheduled the resumption of the Smart national inter-school tournament, which was originally scheduled last Sept. 26-27. The event was cancelled due to the big floods caused by typhoon Ondoy.

The twin tourneys are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications, PLDT and Milo.

Martial arts enthusiasts and other fans, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to witness the competition, which starts at 9a.m.