Focus on youth jins in Milo age group

The country’s 14-and-under taekwondo jins will take center stage on Nov. 16-17 with the staging of the 2002 Milo national age group taekwondo championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

According to Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado, competition will be conducted in five divisions, namely, boys’ novice, advance and blackbelt and girls’ novice and advance.

Each division will be divided into the following height classes: not exceeding 4 feet, over 4 feet and not exceeding 4-3, over 4-3 and not exceeding 4-6, over 4-6 and not exceeding 4-9, over 4-9 and not exceeding 5 feet, over 5 feet and not exceeding 5-3 and over 5-3.

Around 1,500 14-and-under jins from all affiliated schools, chapters and branches in Metro Manila and other key cities and provinces, including military and police dependents, are expected to participate.

The tourney is part of PTA’s grassroots program, said PTA vice president Sung Chon Hong.

"It is important for young boys and girls to show new techniques and styles at an early age," adds Hong.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports aficionados, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch the two-day tourney.