LUNA, Apayao – The Apayao Eagles Taekwondo Club (AETC) has dominated, with six major awards, the 1st Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. 2023 Regional Taekwondo Championship on June 3 and 4 at BGVJr. Memorial Sports Complex.
The tournament stands as one of the largest taekwondo events to grace Northern Luzon this year, as 976 young taekwondo jins vied for pride and glory during the two-day competition.
The AETC clinched six major awards, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with in the northern region.
Their achievements included securing the coveted title of overall champion, along with its victories in the grade school, cadet, junior, and senior divisions.
Kyra Lexi Juan, an AETC prodigy, was named the Most Valuable Player in the female kyorugi (sparring) for her exceptional skills and remarkable performance throughout the tournament.
Tournament manager and AETC coach Ruth Viernes expressed her elation to the outcome of the competition and congratulated her team for their historic win.
More than 160 players from AETC joined the tournament.
In an interview, Viernes said she has been receiving positive feedback regarding the hosting.
Known as the premiere taekwondo club in the province, the AETC has been consistently produ-cing athletes capable of competing in the national and international level.
Last year, AETC competed in Singapore and amassed numerous medals and podium finishes.
The Philippine Taekwondo Association-sanctioned event was participated in by various PTA provincial affiliated chapters and branches in Northern Luzon proving the AETC can compete against the best clubs and martial artists north of Manila.
The PTA is ho-ping the provincial government will soon explore the opportunity of hosting the entire Luzon taekwondo championship. – JCM
