EXHIBITING A masterclass on the mats, the Ateneo Taekwondo Kyorugi Team achieved a second runner-up finish at the 2025 SMART/MVPSF National Inter-school Taekwondo Championships, held from August 23 to 24 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila.

Despite facing tough competition from various universities across the nation, the Blue Eagles clinched four gold medals and four bronze medals, with nine jins also advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

In the women’s division, Andrea Chua reigned supreme in the under-67 kg class, going on to clinch the championship. On the men’s side, Michael Cabaluna topped the under-54 kg bracket, while Javier Macasaet dominated the under-80 kg division to claim gold. Rounding out the team’s champions, Randz Gaupo stood tall in the over-87 kg category, sealing another gold for the Katipunan-based squad.

Both finishing in third place overall, Carl Williams and Wreily Canao of the men’s division also delivered in the under-68 kg and under-87 kg brackets, respectively.

The women’s division collected more medals as Keir Atendido held her head high in the under-57 kg section, and Kenshin Rain Bonos showed sheer determination in the under-62 kg class, decorating the Blue and White with bronze medals as well.

Worthy of a mention, commendable Blue Eagles who have peaked at the quarterfinals are Niko Macasaet, Angelo Santiago, Carlos David, Kier Cuyugan, Nathan Chupungco, Rafael Lintao, Rigel Dumat-ol, Kamille Calaycay, and Stefanie Jianne.

The Ateneo Taekwondo Kyorugi Team withstood tests of grit and concluded their national stint, proving that they will be an emphatic force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Season 88 of UAAP Taekwondo.