Pinoy jins vie in World meet slated in Mexico

MANILA, Philippines - Thirteen jins, led by veteran international campaigner John Paul Lizardo, will see action for the Philippines/Smart Team in the 2013 World Taekwondo Championships on July 15-21 in Puebla, Mexico.

Lizardo will compete in the -54-kilogram division.

The other members of the Phl /SMART squad are:

Male – Keno Anthony Mendoza (-58 kg), Paul Romero (-63 kg), Gershon Bautista (-68 kg), Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison (-74 kg), Christian Al Dela Cruz (-90 kg) amd Kristopher Robert Uy (-87 kg).

Female – Korina Paladin (-46 kg), Nicole Abigail Cham (-49 kg), Pauline Louis de Lopez (-53 kg), Jade Zafra (-57 kg), Jane Rafaelle Narra (-67 kg) and Kirstie Elaine Alora (-73 kg).

Philippine Taekwondo Association CEO Sung Chon Hong is the head of the delegation.  The other officials are Victor Emmanuel Veneracion (team manager), Roberto Cruz (coach, male team) and Dindo Simpao (coach, female team).

Joining the delegation as international referees are Roland Campos and Ricardo Santiago Jr.

The team is supported by MVP Sports Foundation, Smart Communications Inc., PLDT, Meralco, TV5 and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The competition gives the Filipinos great exposure and the opportunity to further develop their fighting spirit and sharpen their skills.

The Filipinos have always been considered as strong contenders in the prestigious event, which has lured the participation of 119 other countries including Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Chinese Taipei and the United States.