THE Philippine national taekwondo team kicked off its campaign in the 2018 World Taekwondo Championships last Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Taipei City, Chinese-Taipei.
“We have seven Cebuanos competing in the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Taipei,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) Region 7 chairman Tony del Prado.
Former world champions Rinna Babanto and Glen Lava lead the group of Cebuano jins that include McAvynger Alob, Aidaine Laxa, Johann Concepcion, Alyssa Llenes and Francis Arquero.
Del Prado has high hopes of the seven Cebuanos bringing home medals to the country, especially Babanto and Lava, who have already been to the top.
“Rinna was a world champion in the Junior Team Event. I’m sure she will be able to make use of her vast experience in international competitions,” he said. “Glenn is also a world champion in the 30 to 39 years old Team Event. He will be teaming up with two others in the same category. He is also a medal prospect.”
Babanto won a gold medal in this tournament in the Team Juniors Event in Indonesia in 2013. Lava, on the other hand, won a title three times in the Team Event in Indonesia in 2013, in Mexico in 2014 and in Peru in 2016.
“Rinna, who will be in the Senior Division is the most experienced among them. The Senior (29 and Under) is the most prestigious and competitive division,” he said. “At least we can expect some medals from the Cebuanos. I can’t say that Rinna will be able to win a medal but one thing I’m sure is that she will give it her very best. She has the momentum after winning the UAAP MVP last week.”
Del Prado, however, also see the others as possible contenders in their respective events.
“They have prepared well. I’m confident that they will give a good account of themselves and do us proud,” del Prado said of the Cebuano jins. “I don’t want to jinx them but I know deep inside that we will have medals, hopefully, a couple of golds.” (EKA)