Seven RP jins vie in world tourney

Seven taekwondo jins will represent the Philippines’ Smart-Petron team in the third World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships slated Dec. 16-18 in Ankara, Turkey.

They are Brian Alan Sabido, Jean Pierre Sabido, Anthony Ray Matias, Jonathan Rilloraza, Rani Ann Ortega, Francesca Camille Alarilla and Ma. Carla Janice Lagman.

Tem Igor Mella is delegation head and coach of the team in the tourney organized by the World Taekwondo Federation, according to Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado.

Around 80 countries including Korea, Taipei, the United States, China, Germany, Turkey, France and Spain will vie for honors.

Poomsae, which means forms, is a vital element in taekwondo. It is performed by following a systematic time of movement in consecutive sequences against an imaginary opponent or multiple opponents.

Poomsae consists of movements using the hands, feet and interconnected techniques like blocking, punching, striking, thrusting and kicking. Constant training in the event helps improve the flexibility and control of an athlete in breathing, balance, power, eye focus and mental discipline.

The Filipinos’ participation is important because it will give them the necessary exposure and experience, more so now that poomsae has been included in the Universiade (University Olympic) program next year.

The RP team’s trip is sponsored by Smart Communications, Petron, PLDT, Philippine Sports Commission and Adidas.