CEBU’S FINEST jins are up for an uphill climb when they compete in the National Carlos Palanca Jr. (CPJ) Taekwondo Championships this Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The Cebuano jins are looking for a good follow up to their productive campaign in last year’s edition of the tournament, where they hauled in 22 medals. Of the total medals won, six were golds, six were silvers and the rest were were bronzes.
Philippine Taekwondo Association Region 7 (PTA-7) Director Tony del Prado has faith in the Cebuano bets but admits they might have a tougher time this year because the jins lack preparation. He didn’t elaborate the reason for this.
“I know that we can still win. But maybe not like last year because of lack of preparation,” Del Prado, one of the most respected patriarch of Cebu’s tight taekwondo community, said.
But Del Prado still leaves it as a challenge for his players to perform well, especially since Dineson Cañeda, a consistent medal hauler, will also not suit up for Region 7 in the tournament.
Still leading the campaign for the Cebuano pack are Nica Garces and Royda Ranile, who both bagged golds in the sparring category last year. Garces will be competing in the flyweight class for the first time.
“There’s pressure because it’s my first time to compete in the fly (weight) division,” said the former University of Cebu star who now is with the National University. “But it’s fine. At least, it’s going to be a new experience for me.”
A good finish is also expected from the University of San Carlos (USC) poomsae team, which also had a successful stint last year.
Nichole Maurin won the gold in the individual junior female category last year. She also teamed up with Robiegayle Navales and Aidaine Laxa for the gold in the team junior female category.