Filipino taekwondo jins face daunting Olympic qualifying challenge

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Taekwondo Association is hoping that lightning can strike twice when the Philippines hosts the Asian Taekwondo Continental Qualifying Games for Rio de Janeiro at the Marriot Convention Center from April 16 to 20.

Taekwondo National Team training director Igor Mella is hoping that the home court advantage that worked in Gilas Pilipinas’ favor during the FIBA Asia Championships of 2013 will repeat itself during the tournament. 

“This is our last chance to qualify for the Rio Olympics,” said Mella who did not mince his words. “It isn’t going to be easy as we will be up against a field of 30 countries trying to make it. I wish I could give a guarantee but that is impossible. That is how competitive this sport is.

“We’re the host country, and we’re looking at the advantages such as not having to adapt to a different climate, we won’t battle jet lag, and we will be in a familiar environment. Now if the crowds come out and cheer, that would be a big boost to our athletes. That’s like a shot of adrenaline.” 

Mella likewise refused to name any Filipino candidates who could land one of the 4 precious spots for Rio.  

“No guarantees, but we’re working on it. We’re training doubly hard. We cannot give names because we have yet to select candidates. if we mention a few, some might be disheartened and think they are no longer being considered. We will know at the end of the tournament if we make it or not.” 

Taekwondo made its Olympic debut during the 2000 Sydney Olympics with 4 events each for men (up to 58kg., up to 68kg., up to 80kg, and over 80kg) and women (up to 49kg., up to 57kg., up to 67kg, and over 67 kg.) events in the Olympics.

The Philippines did not send any bets to London 2012 in the Taekwondo event.

Mella also pointed out that the Philippines is unable to accrue Olympic ranking points because of the sheer number of tournaments it has to participate in year in and out. 

“Hindi tayo sumasali diyan that would mean since the last Olympics we have to join all the tournaments. It is very expensive. Furthermore, that isn’t even a guarantee they will make it. Countries don’t get the points needed because of losses. So this is our chance. If one of our athletes makes it, we can field another athlete to fill in the slots.

“When the tournament starts, anything can happen. Matches can even come down to a single point that decides if we advance or not. We definitely have to shoot for the finals to get a good chance. A semifinals slot will not cut it. Now hopefully, our athletes prove to be up to the task and that the Filipino sports fans come out to give us some badly needed support.” – Rappler.com