Women jins vie in national championship

MANILA, Philippines - Taekwondo’s women fighters take the limelight on Sunday with the staging of the 2011 SMART national all-women’s championships at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“Our country’s leading and upcoming female athletes will display different techniques and styles as they compete in the one-day event,” says organizing committee chair Sung Chon Hong.

Hong adds that the competition is the Phiippine Taekwondo Association’s commitment to the development of sports in the country, particularly in the grassroots.

Among the members of the national pool who are expected to see action are Jyra Marie Lizardo, Camille Manalo, Jade Zafra, Pauline Lopez, Karla Alava, Cecilia Viray and Claudette Rosales.

Other participants in the tournament supported by SMART Communications, PLDT, Philippine Sports Commission and Milo will come from all affiliated PTA chapters and branches throughout Metro Manila and the provinces, including those from the different military commands.

They will vie for honors in three categories, namely, senior women, junior women and grade school girls in advance and novice divisions.

“Our association has lined up other interesting events this year. We will also send top athletes in two qualifying tournaments for next year’s London Olympics,” says Hong.

Action starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday.