Cebuano jins to strut wares in ATF tikefest today

CEBU, Philippines - Some of Cebu's best jins fight for the country's pride and honor in the 12th ASEAN Taekwondo Federation (ATF) Championships today in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

From Cebu are McAvyngyr Alob, Audaine Laxa, Nica Garces, Mayn Coran, Luigi Estrada, Zozen Prajes, Dinesin Cañeda, Windel Rama, Royda Ranile, Cheyena dela Fuente and Shamsham Albarracin.

Alob, Laxa and De la Fuente will be competing in poomsae (forms), while the rest are entered in sparring.

Except for Alob, Garces, Prajes and Coran, all are rookies in an international competition that makes the Philippine Taekwondo Association regional chairman Tony de Prado very excited about.

"We hope to bring home a couple of gold. But no matter what happens, this is still a breakthrough for Cebu Taekwondo as this is the single biggest number we've ever had in a national team. What's noteworthy is that all our players are 17 years and below. So pretty much our future (next 3-4 years) is assured," said Del Prado.

The Cebuanos and the rest of the national delegates in the event are accompanied by several coaches spread into differect categories and discipline including world champion JP Sabido, Dax Morfe, Dindo Simpao and Alvin Taraya.

After the battle in Vietnam, the likes of Alob, Laxa, De la Fuente, Garces, Coran, Estrada, Cañeda and Albarracin will be joined by Clement Tan and Nicole Maurin for the Asian Taekwondo Championships in Taiwan next month. (FREEMAN)