Tokyo Olympian Kurt Bryan Barbosa is set to lead the Philippine team in the upcoming 2024 Asia Qualification Tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games. The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 15 to 17 in Tai’an City, China, and the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) is confident in the team’s potential to make a strong showing.
Barbosa, who will compete in the -58kg category, aims for redemption after narrowly missing out on a medal in both the Tokyo Olympics and last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Alongside Barbosa, the SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Philippine team comprises three men and two women, including Asian Games veteran Arven Alcantara (-68kg), Tachiana Keizha Mangin (-49kg), and Baby Jessica Canabal (-57kg).
The team also includes Allain Keanu Ganapin, the country’s lone para athlete, who will compete in the K44 (-80kg) category. With rigorous training and support from the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission, the team is gearing up for a chance to showcase their skills on the global stage at the Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11.
Heading the Philippine team is Raul Samson, while the coaching staff includes Carlos Jose Padilla V, Christian Al Dela Cruz, and Gershon Bautista for the para division. With their talent, determination, and guidance from experienced coaches, the Philippine taekwondo team is ready to give their best and pursue success in the 2024 Asia Qualification Tournament.
