Navales named World Taekwondo Grand Prix’s best female referee

Iloilo’s coach Flora Navales, founder of Coach Flora Taekwondo Academy and a mentor to other major taekwondo clubs in the City of Love, has received her most prestigious international recognition as a referee.

During the World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series in Levallois, France, from Oct. 8-11, 2026, Navales was named the tournament’s Best Female Referee, marking her biggest international achievement to date.

“Thank God, my 4th best referee award this year sa international competition sir pero amo ni ang pinaka dako. Wala ko nag expect,” said Navales in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

After a successful stint at the Roma Grand Prix in June 2026, Navales was once again called up by World Taekwondo and selected as one of the referees for the French leg.

To take part in the World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series, Navales had to endure an arduous journey, beginning her officiating career by passing the World Taekwondo International Referee Seminar I three years ago in Bangkok, Thailand.

Navales immediately earned her first international refereeing assignment in 2024 during the 11th Fujairah Open in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The learning didn’t stop, as Navales joined the Standing International Referee Camp in January 2026, specifically the Asia-Oceania camp in Astana, Kazakhstan.

After successfully completing the camp, Navales became one of 169 international referees from around the world, making her eligible to officiate at all World Taekwondo Grand Prix events.

“Traveling to different parts of the world through Taekwondo as an athlete, a coach, and now an International Referee has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the opportunities I have been given,” added Navales.

“I hope to carry this achievement not as a reason to become complacent, but as motivation to work harder, remain grounded, and serve Taekwondo with even greater integrity.”

Navales is currently in Japan, where she is set to serve as one of the international referees at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.

Shortly after her Asian Para Games stint, Navales will redirect her focus toward securing a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she hopes to officiate at the quadrennial event.

“At the end of the day, this journey has never been about recognition alone,” Navales continued.

“It is about honoring the people who believed in me, upholding the values of the sport, and giving back to the Taekwondo community that has given me so much.”