National taekwondo slated this weekend

MANILA, Philippines - Olympic aspirants and other veteran campaigners will see action tomorrow and Sunday in the 34th Smart National Taekwondo Championships at the Makati Coliseum.

Led by the brother-sister duo of Japoy and Jyra Lizardo, the Olympic bidders and other members of the national team will compete for their respective home squads in the country’s biggest annual team event organized by the Philippine Taekwondo Association and sponsored by Smart Communications, PLDT, Milo, Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation.

The Lizardos will carry the colors of De La Salle University. Last year’s senior men’s team winner, University of Santo Tomas, will be bannered by Malon Avenido and Jade Zafra.

Each team will be composed of five players and two alternates.

For the first time in the junior and senior competitions, the PTA will use the Protective Scoring System (PSS) which is currently being utilized by the World Taekwondo Federation in the World Championships.

The system aims to eliminate human error and help upgrade all PTA championships.

Organizing committee chair Grand Master Sung Chon Hong, said around 2,000 jins representing various regions and PTA affiliates including AFP, PNP, ARMM, CARAGA, CAR and NCR are vying for honors.

Other teams like Ateneo, CSB, UE, FEU, LSGH, Lyceum, Letran, San Beda, Don Bosco Makati, Baguio, Negros Taekwondo Union, UTA-Makati, DPS, Olympia, TUP, DLSZ, CEU, VAS Gym, Las Piñas Gym and Central Gym are also competing.

Action will kick off at 9 a.m. while the opening ceremony is set at 1 p.m. Martial arts enthusiasts and sports buffs, including children interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch the two-day tourney.