Taekwondo juniors show wares in World Cadet tiff

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ upcoming taekwondo bets continue their bid for international honors as the Meralco/MVP Sports Foundation National Cadet team vies in the World Cadet Taekwondo Championships Aug. 23-26 in Muju, Korea.

Seven male and eight female fighters will banner the Philippine squad in the prestigious event which has lured 60 countries, among them Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Korea, China, Iran, Spain, France and the United States.

Carrying the Meralco/MVP Sports Foundation colors are:

Male – Wendil Jay Rama, Matthew John Ongtangco, Dineson Wilrej Caneda, Arlan Deandre Calimon, Marco Antonio Rubio, Rohann Josh Mendoza and Ejay Dongbo.

Female – Jane Royda Ranile, Anne Sharmaine Albarracin, Allysa Louise Caabay, Camille Andrea Miraflores, Josea Dizon, Gilwel An Jynamae Irang, Shaira Isabel Garbanzos and Karina Marie Uy.

Tem Igor Mella heads the delegation while John Paul Lizardo and Alvin Taraya are the coaches.

Filipino taekwondo fighters have always been considered among the top contenders in international event.

Only recently, another set of Filipino fighters brought home 13 medals, including two golds, from the Korea Open tournament.

The Filipinos also bagged three silver and eight bronze medals.

Formed by the Philippine Taekwondo Association, the Meralco/MVP SF team is supported in its trip to Muju by SMART, PLDT, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.