Two taekwondo athletes from Baguio were part of the Philippine national poomsae team that won two gold, three silver, and five bronze medals in the 6th World Taekwondo Asia Poomsae Championships in Beirut, Lebanon.
Multiple world medalists Jeordan Dominguez and Justin Kobe Macario of Baguio along with Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Jana Dominique Oliva, and Marvin More clinched the gold medal in the mixed team freestyle in the over 17 years old category.
The second gold for the national squad was courtesy of Darius Venerable, who competed in the over 17 men’s individual freestyle.
Venerable also paired with Crisostomo for a silver medal in the mixed pair freestyle while Oliva won a silver medal in the individual freestyle.
The third silver medal was courtesy of June Ninobla who competed in the under 60-kilogram recognized poomsae.
The bronze medalists were Rodolfo Reyes, Jr.; Jocel Lyn Ninobla; Rinna Babanto; Aidaine Laxa; Patrick Perez; Joaquin Dominic Tuzon; and Rinna Babanto.
Rani Ann Ortega was adjudged best coach during the international tournament while Venerable and Crisostomo were named most valuable players.
Overall, the Philippines ranked third among participating national teams from all over Asia.
Dominguez won a gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and gold me-dals in previous international tournaments.
Macario, on the other hand, was a former world freestyle champion. – Harley F. Palangchao
