CAGAYAN de Oro City — Mindanao athletes gave Filipinos another reason to celebrate after bringing home gold and silver medals from the 2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang in Seoul, South Korea.
The five-day international tournament, which opened on Aug. 1, gathered top taekwondo practitioners from around the world in competitions showcasing poomsae, team events, and other disciplines, highlighting overall Philippine dominance just as the CDO Taekwondo team brings home 3 golds during the 2026 Smart MVP Sports Foundation National Taekwondo Championship on July 25–26 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Leading the Philippine campaign was General Santos City native Adriel Angelo Rodriguez, who won a gold medal in the Junior III Authorized Poomsae Group division with teammates Acey Kiara Oglayon and Jose Lucas Llarena.
Leading the Philippine campaign was General Santos City native Adriel Angelo Rodriguez, who won a gold medal in the Junior III Authorized Poomsae Group division with teammates Acey Kiara Oglayon and Jose Lucas Llarena.
Their synchronized performance topped entries from other countries, earning the Philippines the championship title. Rodriguez also helped the national team secure a silver medal in the overall Team Competition.
Mindanao's medal haul continued with Tangub City athlete Arthur Diaz of Tangub Christian Academy, who contributed to the Philippine team's silver-medal finish in the main Team Competition shortly after news broke that Another CDO taekwondo athlete bags gold in Seoul won gold during the 7th Kimunyong Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships held July 25–28 at Jangchung Arena in Seoul. Their combined performances demonstrated the depth of talent originating from Mindanao's grassroots sports programs.
Another General Santos City athlete, Phoebe Jubelag, representing Holy Trinity College and Far Eastern University, also captured a silver medal in the Taekwon Chejo division alongside Diaz and other national teammates. This victory complemented other regional individual milestones, such as when Zamboangueña athlete Jezrah Timpangco rules Poomsae at Seoul Taekwondo tourney, further boosting the Philippines' overall standing.
The Philippine Taekwondo Association commended the athletes for showcasing Filipino talent, discipline and teamwork against some of the world's best competitors.
The latest victories add to Mindanao's growing reputation for producing world-class martial artists while inspiring young athletes across the region to pursue excellence in international competition. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
