T’kwondo jin Agojo secures Team UAAP’s 2nd gold

ATENEO taekwondo mainstay Aaron Agojo gave Team UAAP-Philippines its second gold medal in the 17th Asean University Games in Palembang, Indonesia.

Agojo knocked out his opponent from Laos in the finals to rule the men’s 58-kg category.

The country’s other gold came from the poomsae mixed pair of Rodolfo Reyes and Jocel Ninobla from University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday.

After three days of competition, Team UAAP-Philippines has already matched its two-gold haul in 2012 in Laos, which also came from taekwondo.

Aside from Agojo, La Salle’s Kiko Sembrano and Nhonnoe Balancio added two taekwondo silver medals.

The PH student-athletes now have a total medal haul of 2-2-3 (gold-silver-bronze). Host Indonesia is on top with 4-5-3, followed by Thailand with 4-3-3.

Team UAAP-Philippines, meanwhile, will face powerhouse Thailand in women’s voleyball at 4 p.m., with the standouts from UAAP champion Ateneo needing a victory to stay in the hunt for a spot in the gold medal round.  The Alyssa Valdez-led PH spikers tote a 1-1 card.

The festive AUG opening ceremony  was held yesterday in Stadium Sriwijaya Jakabaring Palembang  with Indonesia vice president Yusuf Kalla as guest of honor.

The highlight of the event was the lighting of the AUG 2014 torch. After dance performances by 600 Indonesia students, a huge fireworks display capped the ceremony.

The region’s biggest competition for student athletes will last Dec. 21 with 20 sports being contested.