2,500 elite taekwondo athletes to vie in Best of the Best championships

Over 2,500 elite taekwondo athletes, including black belters, are set to compete in the 2025 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Best of the Best Taekwondo Championships this weekend at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

The prestigious two-day event is supported by sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan and aims to discover talent for future Olympic games.

Competitions will feature Kyorugi (free sparring) across various age categories and Poomsae (forms) in recognized, team, pair, and free style disciplines for both male and female participants.

Only top fighters from the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police, UAAP, NCAA, and elite blackbelt organizations are eligible to participate.

Under the guidance of Grand Master Hong Sung-chon, the Philippine Taekwondo Association hopes to scout potential members for the Philippine team competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.