Ilongga wins two medals in Poomsae events

CINDY JOY DIASNES proudly carries the Philippine flag while showing the two medals she won during the 2019 ASEAN Taekwondo Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, May 6. (Justine CJ James)

AN ILONGGA jin from A. Diasnes Taekwondo Gym proved her readiness in the international scene as she scooped up gold and silver medals in the 2019 ASEAN Taekwondo Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, May 6.

Cindy Joy Diasnes, a pride of Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions, won the gold medal in Team Poomsae with teammates Faustina Marie Anicete and Laeia Simoune Soria. She also bagged the silver in the Individual Poomsae.

The 16-year-old student-athlete considered her feat as a blessing and a good sign before she competes in the Asian Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championships in Amman, Jordan on July 22-23, 2019.

“Sa pagdaog ko sang silver medal, I’m happy to bring home a medal for the country. It’s a pressure man for me since we are the host country. Now that I won the silver, it motivates me to win the match in Asian Juniors. Ma double time gid ako and prepare for this big fight. Indi ko gusto pagsayangon ang bulig sang akon parents and as a student, I want to do my best,” she added.

Aside from Diasnes, other taekwondo jins from the region also made waves in the recent tournament. 

Julio Miguel Zapata and Leigh Andee Rodriguez of Taekwondo Union-Tigers New Gen also won a gold medal each in kyorugi cadet boys’ finweight and girls’ bantamweight, respectively.

Rising Negrense star Mary Angeline Alcantara received a bronze medal in the Women’s Featherweight-49kg kyorugi event while Mikee Rose Regala of Capiz also won a gold medal in the Recognized Team Female U30 with Clare Therese Gaston and Angelica Joyce Gaw.

Allyah Dominique Eusalan wrapped up the Western Visayas medal haul with a gold finish in the Women’s Light Heavyweight-68kg kyorugi.

The Philippine national team was also crowned overall champion after bagging 34 gold, 32 silver, and 30 bronze medals.

Vietnam is at second place with 25 gold, 20 silver, and 44 bronze medals.