By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo City Taekwondo and Fitness Center by Jojo Castro carried the banner of the City of Love during the India Taekwondo League Individual Open International Championships and did not disappoint.
After two masterful outings during the US Florida Online Poomsae Championships and the Hong Kong Online “Cosmo” Open Poomsae Championships 2020, the Castro-led jins were able to consistently execute flawlessly and continue their dominant streak in international stints.
Lorraine Grace Baydo, Tisha Seth Escrupulo, Eunice Angela Castante, Anje Garcia Espanillo, Yestine Yori Barrios, Clark Zed Abello, Jayden Drew Fajutrao, Paul Dominic Callado, Niña Marie Muleta, Nicole Cortez, Hydria Oliva, Myka Sydney Lacanaria, Zach Gabriele Lacanaria, Thuj Aquijitas, Stephanie Nicole Clemente, Alexander Bell, Mitzumi Caira Palma, Tracy Johan Retubis, Bianca Erycha Mationg, Angel Quizon, Anna Vittoria Masigon, Kristina Jean Tuguia, Brianne Dolorfino, and Kristian Dave Doce all nabbed gold medals and stood out the most against all the prized jins from all over the world.
Meanwhile, Mayden Niverca, Francine Clarito, Sophia Cartagena, Shaun Kiefer Lacanaria, Krishna Navarro, Jensine Gremio, Kristina Havana, Fyll Oliva, Marko Lacanaria, Neslene Muleta, Franchezka Guihama, and Gee Vhon Juby Silla managed to settle for the second place in their respective categories.
Headlining the bronze medalists are Keva Medina Labrador and Philip Leonard Dichoson who pulled-off clutch turn-around performances to qualify in the top 3.
Standing side-by-side with coach Castro in leading the jins are Labrador and John Sariego who are currently monitoring them in a Venezuela-based tournament.
