Out of London 2012, PH taekwondo sets sights on future

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine taekwondo is kicking forward.

The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) refuses to dwell on its failure to grab a ticket to the London Olympics next year, opting instead to form its teams early for the 2016 and the 2020 Games, according to PTA executive vice president Hong Sung-chon.

“There’s no use feeling bad about the past,” Hong told the Inquirer, referring to the country’s failure to qualify jins during two qualifications events this year. “You think about it, you feel bad. More problem. Now, we want to move forward. We will form teams for the 2016 and 2020 this early.”

He said the best time to prepare for the Rio de Janeiro Games is “now,” as they look for athletes who are 17 to 18 years old. They will be given ample training both here and overseas, and by the 2016, they “will be at their peak at age 22 or 23.”

Hong added that the PTA will envigorate the Philippine Taekwondo League (PTL) which debuted this year.

“Next year, we will have stronger league with more schools participating,” he added.

From the PTL, which feeds on the more than 1 million jins all over the country, the most promising athletes will be chosen to form the Olympic teams.

Still, Hong is not losing hope the country can still send an entry to the London Games next year via wildcard.

“That is still being worked on,” added the member of the powerful 26-man advisory council of the World Taekwondo Federation.

The Philippines had four shots at the Games but missed in the Baku, Azerbaijan World Olympic qualifying last October. It also went home empty-handed in the Asian qualifying early this month in Thailand.

“The Asian qualifying was bad timing because it was held one week after the Southeast Asian Games,” said Hong.

The Thailand qualifying, postponed because of the flooding in Bangkok, was eventually held at short notice, denying the PTA a chance to come up with a brand new team.

“I thought they will hold it next year so more time for us to form a different team,” he said. “But we have to put up the best team in SEA Games and the best team in the qualifying.

“By then, the athletes were tired and exhausted already,” added Hong.

The country won four golds, three silvers, and five bronzes in the Indonesia SEA Games. Of the gold winners, Japoy Lizardo was sent to Bangkok but failed to make the top two in his division.

Also winning for the Philippines in SEA Games were Ma. Camille Manalo in women’s lightweight, Kristie Elaine Alora in women’s heavyweight, and the women’s poomsae team of Rani Ann Ortega, Janice Lagman and Camille Alarilla, who are also reigning world champions.