Taekwondo talent search heats up

THE FUTURE stars of Philippine taekwondo will be known this weekend with the staging of the 2012 Smart National New Face of the Year championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Around 1500 jins from different Philippine Taekwondo Association chapters and branches throughout Metro Manila and the provinces as well as the various military sectors are expected to see action.

“The competition gives newcomers tremendous exposure and a chance to show the various techniques and styles they have learned so far,” says Organizing Committee chairman Sung Chon Hong.

The event, Hong adds, is also the PTA’s way of fulfilling its commitment to develop the sport and support the government’s total sports grassroots program.

Competition will be disputed in six categories, namely, senior men and women, junior men and women and grade school boys and girls.

The tournament is supported by Smart Communications, MVP Sports Foundation, Milo, PLDT and Philippine Sports Commission.

Taekwondo has been a rich source of medals for the Philippines in various international events like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and World Cup.  Only recently, three upcoming Filipino jins collected a bronze medal each in the world junior championships.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports buffs are invited to watch the action which starts at 9 a.m.