New challenge for former taekwondo champion

The competent personalities behind the country’s success in the recent Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Aimag) will run the show during the Philippine hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr. has tapped Makati City Rep. Monsour Del Rosario anew as chef de mission in the 11-nation biennial Games.

With Del Rosario at the helm, the Philippines brought home two gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, better than the combined output of the four previous editions.

“We need somebody like him who knows what the athletes need,” said Cojuangco, who is hoping the gains of the Aimag campaign would rub off on the 2019 PH delegation.
The Philippines is seeking to duplicate its first and only overall championship when Manila hosted the Games in 2005.

“How can I say no to Cong. Peping (Cojuangco)?” said Del Rosario, also the secretary general of the Philippine Taekwondo Association.

“This is my service to the country,” added the former taekwondo champion who will seek reelection in 2019.