The 1st Sandugo Provincial Taekwondo Championships highlighted the sport’s growing prominence.
Held at the Holy Name University Activity Center on August 10-11, the event saw participation from athletes aged 6 to 21, competing in both “poomsae” and “kyorugi” categories.
The Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) collaborated with Mr. John Prisco Viñalon, a licensed National Instructor and National Referee of the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA), and his team to organize this landmark event.
This tournament marks the first time that six of the seven PTA-affiliated chapters in Bohol participated. Represented were KATMA IMAV from Tagbilaran City, led by Master Sullivan Grandeza and Maria Celine Erica Grandeza; the HNU Falcons Taekwondo Club, headed by John Prisco Viñalon and John Abenil Fortuna; Bohol Taekwondo Academy, led by Angelo Yuguing, Rosa Iglisia Sarabosing-Yuguing, and Abigail Arbilo; Enscima International Academy Taekwondo Club, led by Jorge Rodriguez; TDCU Inabanga, under Corle Lingco; and Bohol Legends Taekwondo of San Miguel, led by Leandro James Amang.
In the Kyorugi category, the champions were Bohol Taekwondo Legends, followed by Bohol Taekwondo Academy in 1st runner-up, KATMA-IMAV in 2nd runner-up, and Taekwondo Doctrine and Command Unit in 3rd runner-up. KATMA-IMAV took the championship title for Poomsae with Bohol Taekwondo Academy securing 1st place, Falcons Taekwondo in 2nd, and Taekwondo Doctrine and Command Unit in 3rd.
This year’s Sandugo championship promises to elevate the competitive level of Taekwondo in the province. Viñalon, reflecting on his journey, said, “Taekwondo has profoundly impacted my life. I began at age 5, and now, in my 21st year of practicing Taekwondo, it has opened many doors. I believe it will do the same for other Taekwondo practitioners in the province. Bohol has immense potential, and events like this bring us closer to having our own Boholano-bred National Team Member.”
Following the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, the spirit of sportsmanship has further ignited enthusiasm in the province. The values of discipline and perseverance resonate deeply with the Boholano youth.
PYDO Head Metodio “John” Maraguinot Jr. emphasized that this event is a crucial step towards Bohol hosting national Taekwondo athletes in the future. This aligns with the vision of the Aumentado administration, which aims to harness sports tourism to boost Bohol’s economy. (PIMO/NDF)
