CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Behind the glittering gold, silver, and bronze medals lies a story written in bruised shins, early morning sacrifices, and years of quiet discipline on the mat.

For 14 and 13-year-old Kila Rendel M. Naval and his schoolmate Krizscha T. Luche, stepping onto the floor at the 2026 2nd JIE President’s Cup and World Organization of Taekwondo Federations (WOTF) Championships in Incheon, South Korea, was more than just another tournament. It was the realization of a lifelong dream.

The Grade 9 and 8 students under the Special Program in Sports (SPS-9), and Special Program in Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE-8) at Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS), the duo represented the Philippines under the One Elite Taekwondo Academy, bringing home a total of four medals from the international meet held July 21 to 26.

The Journey of Sacrifice

For Luche, who captured a gold medal in the Kyurogi (sparring) division and added a bronze in Poomsae (forms), the victory belongs as much to her community as it does to her.

"so happy & blessed , its a dream & goal came true for me, my family & for our One Elite Taekwondo Academy team," Luche shared, reflecting on what it took to reach the top of the podium.

The victory, she explained, was forged long before she set foot in South Korea.

"This gold medal carries more than just my name," Luche said. "It carries the weight of every early morning, every bruised shin, every cut weight, and every moment I wanted to quit but didn’t. This medal is the culmination of years of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering belief."

Student-athletes Kila Rendel M. Naval (left) and Krizscha T. Luche (right) celebrate their four-medal harvest atop the podium at the World Organization of Taekwondo Federations Championships in Incheon, South Korea. Representing Koronadal City and the One Elite Taekwondo Academy, the Grade 9 sports program students capped off nearly a decade of rigorous training and early morning practice with multiple podium finishes on the international stage. (Photo courtesy of Kring Luche)


Luche emphasized that mental and spiritual readiness were just as vital as physical conditioning. "To God: Above all, I give all the glory and honor to Him. Long before I stepped onto this mat, You knew the path, the pain, and the purpose," she added.

Overcoming Fear on the Mat

For Naval, who earned a silver medal in Poomsae and a bronze in Kyurogi, the international arena brought a whirlwind of pressure and self-doubt.

"My experience during the event was kind of an roller coaster of emotions actually because I was feeling excited and kinda nervous at the same time but overall it was an awesome and enjoyable experience," Naval admitted.

Despite nearly a decade of dedicated training, standing among the world's best brought unexpected moments of vulnerability.

"When I won the silver and bronze medals I felt very grateful,thankful and it was very unexpected even though I thought that I won’t bring anything back for our City," she reflected.

Naval's journey to Incheon started nine years ago as a child with a dream that once felt out of reach. His advice to other young aspirants stems directly from his own trial by fire.

"Dreams do come true but before it comes true you need to conquer yourself conquer your pain and lastly your fear alone," Naval said. "I was just like you a kid with a huge dream that I thought it was impossible to reach but through hard-work, perseverance, and determination for 9 years I reached my dream of playing Taekwondo on International Level.."

A Legacy for Koronadal

Beyond the competition scores, the stories of Luche and Naval highlight the resilience of young athletes from the provinces proving their mettle against global competition.

As they return to their classrooms at KNCHS, their four-medal haul stands as a reminder to every young athlete in Koronadal that no goal is too high when backed by heart, discipline, and relentless determination. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)