MANILA, Philippines - Taekwondo’s biggest annual team competition - the 33rd Smart National Championships – unwraps on July 31-August 1 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“This (event) will be a big test for taekwondo practitioners all over the country,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado. “Chapters in 12 regions, including ARMM, CAR, CARAGA and NCR as well as all AFP branches and the PNP will be represented.”
Tournament chairman Sung Chon Hong expects around 2,000 jins, including members of the Philippine squad, to represent various teams.
Competition will be conducted in six divisions, namely, seniors, juniors and grade school for male and female participants with the teams categorized into Novice and Advance groups.
Each team will be allowed five players and two alternates in the event sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications Inc., PLDT, Milo and Adidas. National athletes will have to compete for their respective home teams.
Among the teams which have confirmed their participation are De La Salle University, Ateneo, UP, UST, UE, FEU, International School, Colegio San Agustin, Letran, San Beda, Don Bosco Makati and Mandaluyong, Lourdes Schools of Mandaluyong and Quezon City, La Salle Green Hills, Baguio, Manila, Rizal High;
Las Pinas, Pangasinan, Negros Taekwondo Union, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Bulacan, Rizal Province, Batangas, Palawan, CAR, Bacolod, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, PMA, PNP, PMMA, Philippine National Police Academy and Central Gym.
Action starts at 9 a.m. but the opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m.