By Ma. Katlene R. Angcanan

Far Eastern University (FEU) Jins and Lady Jins bagged 11 medals which landed them as second runners-up in the Senior Division category of the recently concluded 46th National Taekwondo Championships last Sunday, July 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

Jin Lawrence Borres and Lady Jin Angel Mae Benocilla brought home gold medals for the green-and-gold squad in the Senior Men's and Women’s Division respectively.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Borres shared that this is his comeback year after previously suffering from an injury last UAAP Season 85.

"Kulang pa eh… for experience… kasi galing akong MCL injury. So last UAAP, sobrang sayang talaga ‘yon para sa akin. Ngayon, may medal na ako. Comeback year ko 'to (It’s lacking… for experience… because I came back from an MCL injury. So last UAAP, it was such a waste for me. Now, I have a medal already. This is my comeback year)," Borres said.

The Morayta-based squad obtained two silver medals in the Senior Men’s category of the tournament from Rodrigo Masgon Jr. and Jusztene Buan. Khira Duldulao also chipped another silver for the Senior Women’s Division.

Lady Jin’s captain Regina Abello led the bronze medalists with Janine Arrogancia and Ashley Reniedo. On the other hand, Reniel Badiola, Radz Navidad, and Axl Baluyot contributed to the Men’s Division.

During a post-tourney interview with FEU Advocate, Kyorugi women's captain Abello expressed how the team managed to win medals despite encountering obstacles in preparing for the competition.

“Medyo kulang kami sa training. Pero so far, nairaos naman namin. Nakikita namin sa result ng game na kaya namin manalo kahit na ano pa ‘yung mga circumstances na na-eencounter namin everyday sa training (We lacked a bit in training. But so far, we overcame it. We saw in the results of the game that we can win despite whatever circumstances we encounter everyday in training)," Abello shared.

The FEU Kyorugi team is looking forward to the upcoming UAAP Season 86 after they successfully wrapped up the tournament in third place behind the University of Santo Tomas and the defending champions National University.

(Photo by Shania Jill Mendoza/FEU Advocate)