The World Olympic Taekwondo Federation (WOTF) is set to ignite the Philippine martial arts scene with the inaugural leg of its three-part national championship, scheduled for April 10–12 at the Toril Gymnasium in Davao City. This high-profile event promises to attract hundreds of elite athletes, marking a significant milestone for the young federation as it expands its influence across the country.
Expanding Reach and Opportunities
During the recent Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at The Annex of SM City Davao, WOTF vice president and TAP elite president Jun Liwag highlighted the federation's rapid growth since its establishment two years ago. Driven by an "athlete first" philosophy, the organization has evolved from local roots to garnering international attention. Liwag emphasized the goal of providing Filipino taekwondo practitioners with enhanced competitive platforms and pathways to global stages.
Leadership and Vision
Under the guidance of WOTF president Moon Dae-sung, an Olympic gold medalist from the 2004 Athens Games, the federation is committed to elevating technical standards. Liwag stated that the mandate focuses on nurturing promising talents who could one day represent the Philippines in prestigious events like the Olympics. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between local training and international competition.
Event Details and Participation
Beyond the competitive matches, the championship will feature seminars and formal examinations conducted by senior masters, designed to strengthen both technical prowess and officiating knowledge. Registration committee head Nicah Liwag reported strong interest from clubs across Luzon and the Visayas, with organizers anticipating around 500 entries. "We want to ensure a smooth event that offers athletes the best possible experience," she noted, balancing scale with quality.
National Series and Future Plans
The Davao leg serves as the opener for WOTF's national series, which will continue with the Luzon leg in Pampanga in June and the Visayas leg in Jagna, Bohol, in July. The series will culminate in a World Championship in Manila this September. Through this structured approach, WOTF aims to identify and develop the next generation of Filipino taekwondo jins, fostering talent capable of excelling on the global stage.
