By CHRISTAN SALVAÑA
Just over a month after the transformation of the tennis center that staged the historic Philippine Women’s Open, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex will have a modern facility.
On Thursday, March 5, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new taekwondo center, a development welcomed by Philippine Taekwondo Association President Rafael Alunan III.
The new facility, which can house up to 100 athletes at the same time, will rise on the site of the former PSC Bowling Center, where world champion Paeng Nepomuceno once trained.
Alunan expressed his gratitude to the PSC and vowed to continue the tradition of producing world champions.
“After 20 years, our dream to have a new training center will soon be a reality. Thank you to the Philippine Sports Commission for spearheading the birth of the National Taekwondo Center, which aligns with our vision for Philippine taekwondo,” said Alunan.
“This center once produced world champions in bowling. We will faithfully continue the tradition of producing world champions,” he added.
Gregorio, meanwhile, said the project is long overdue and part of his plan to continue transforming Philippine sports.
“With this new taekwondo center, we can host more international tournaments and give exposure to our national athletes. The shift will surely open up great opportunities for our sports and for our athletes,” said Gregorio.
“We enable, we excite, and we make it happen. Finally,” he added.
The center is estimated to be completed by December 2026, with plans for international tournaments already in place for next year.
