Nat’l age group t’kwondo up

ABOUT 1,200 fighters will see action in the 2014 SMART National Age Group Taekwondo Championships on Saturday and Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“This event gives young taekwondo practitioners the chance to showcase their talents in the country’s most progressive martial arts sport,” said organizing committee chair Sung Chon-hong.

“Even boys and girls as young as four years old participate in the annual tournament which also provides much support to the national grassroots program,” adds Hong.

The young fighters will compete in three divisions—junior men and women, aged 15 to 17; cadet, boys and girls, 12-14; and grade school, boys and girls, 11 and below.

The taekwondo officiating system—PSS (protective scoring system), ESS (electronic scoring system) and Daedo PSS and IVR (instant video replay)—will be used to eliminate human error and upgrade all PTA meets.

The two-day tournament is sponsored by Smart Communications Inc., MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, Meralco, TV5, Milo and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Parents interested in enrolling their children at a young age will enjoy watching the tournament. Elimination matches will start at 9 a.m. while the opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16.

A special performance by the Philippine taekwondo demonstration team will highlight the opening rites.