Far Eastern University (FEU) Jins and Lady Jins were hailed as the overall second runner up after bagging a total of 12 medals for both Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s division in the 45th National Taekwondo Championships held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City last September 3 to 4.

The Morayta-based squad secured five gold medals with Jins Jemuel Rendora, Aaron Frades, and James Camillo winning the top podium spot for the Senior Men’s Division while Janine Arrogancia and Ashley Reniedo brought home the gold for the Senior Women’s Division.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, gold medalist Rendora shared that he did not expect to win but only focused on his goal.

"Actually, hindi ko in-expect na mananalo ako ng (I did not expect that I will win the) gold. I just did my best. ‘Yung preparations for UAAP season, training 3 times a day, kinokondisyon ko rin yung (I conditioned my) mind ko by watching [taekwondo] videos, and focus talaga sa (only to the) goal, as an assistant captain hindi lang para sakin kundi para din sa team ko (not just for me but for the team)," Rendora said.

The Tamaraw Jins added seven bronze medals with FEU Jins Felix Castel, Patrick Obrada, Rodrigo Magon and Bench Badillo finishing third for the Senior Men’s Division, and FEU Lady Jins Angela Benoncilla, Tiona Quesada, Czarina Daganan also clinching the bronze finish for the Senior Women’s Division to complete the salvo.

The green-and-gold squad also mentioned that they used the tournament in preparation for the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 85 after claiming the second runner up spot in the said competition.

"Maganda siyang simula (It is a good start) as preparation for the upcoming season 85. During the competition, we, together with the coaches, observed that there’s an area that we need to improve and may use it in season 85," Arrogancia shared.

UAAP season 85 will officially start on October 1 with Adamson University as the host school.

-Ma. Katlene R. Angcanan

(Photo courtesy of Jemuel Rendora)