SPORTS

PTA sets blueprint for LA28 quest

DT · Oct 18, 2026, 2:16 AM

FILE photo. THE rising stars of Philippine taekwondo (back row, from left) pose before their training session at the PTA headquarters at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. They are (back row, from left) Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadileña, Tachiana Keizha Mangin, coach Paul Romero, delegation head Raul Samson, coach Elaine Alora, Felicity Jana Castel, Quynh Louise Edillor (Female -42kg). In the front row are Felix Ace Perez, Ethan Jervey Chavez, John Angelo Pascual, Mythaious Angelous Francois Lustado and Michael Cabaluna. — Photo courtesy of PTA

Performances in international competitions will serve as a gauge for the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) in forming a list of athletes with the best chances of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

PTA secretary general Rocky Samson said a major review of the athletes following the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya and the results of the Indonesian Open taking place soon would play a pivotal role in their selection.

The association is also looking to widen international exposure for younger athletes and those who did not compete in Nagoya.

“All these competitions will help us prepare for Olympic qualification. After the Asian Games, we will evaluate the results and identify the athletes with the best chances of qualifying for Los Angeles in 2028,” Samson said.

“Grandmaster Hong will send a group to the Indonesia Open in two weeks, while other athletes who missed the Asiad will be evaluated for possible international assignments before the year ends.”

Samson stressed that the association wants to prepare not only its elite athletes but also members of Team A and Team B, ensuring it has enough depth to call on when necessary.

Samson also cautioned that the silver-medal performances of Kurt Barbosa and Tachiana Mangin at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, earlier this month would not automatically secure them places in the next Olympic qualifying campaign.