The Philippines hosts another important international sports competition when the Philippine Taekwondo Association stages the Asian taekwondo qualification for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics on April 16 and 17 at Marriott Convention Center Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
“It’s a big honor for our country to be chosen by the World Taekwondo Federation (WFT) to host this event,” said organizing committee chair Sung Chon Hong.
Athletes from 43 Asian countries will compete in the Manila event promoted by the Asian Taekwondo Union.
In preparation for the Philippines’ qualifying bid, Hong said the PTA has invited the powerhouse Korean National Sports University (KNSU) team to train the Filipinos in Manila.
The Korean team, known for producing many Olympic and world champions, will train Filipino standouts twice a day from March 6 to 22.
The Filipinos will later undergo hard work from March 28 to April 10 at the PTA headquarters at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“The training will be spirited and intensive,” Hong said.
The big taekwondo event will be supported by Smart, MVPSF, PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.