October 2–4, 2026 | Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia
Team STP delivered a commendable performance at the Pugnator Open International Taekwondo Championship 2026, held from October 2 to 4 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, as its athletes displayed skill, discipline, and determination across three days of competition.
Representing the Samahang Taekwondo ng Pilipinas (STP), the team competed in various divisions, including Elite Kyorugi, Elite Poomsae, Regular Poomsae, Speed Kicking, Regular Kyorugi, and Virtual Reality (VR) Taekwondo. Their collective efforts yielded multiple gold, silver, and bronze medal finishes, reflecting the athletes' preparation and commitment to the sport.
Strong Opening in Elite Competition
On the first day, Ryan Christopher Caluza secured a silver medal in Elite Kyorugi, giving the team an early podium finish. Elcanor L. Mang-usan Jr., Jessa Tumlayen, and Khian Shem D. Lubin also saw action in the elite sparring division, while Khyla Kreanzzel B. Guinto competed in Elite Poomsae.
Khian returned to the elite sparring division on the second day, continuing the team's participation in the championship's high-level competition.
Gold Medal Haul in Technical and Speed Events
Team STP strengthened its medal tally on the second day through impressive performances in Regular Poomsae and Speed Kicking.
In Regular Poomsae, gold medals were earned by Elcanor L. Mang-usan Jr., Khian Shem D. Lubin, Randall Zhane Montes, Verna Odezza U. Baniago, Heilee Sky A. Tacbas, and Alec Gaile D. Mananig. Silver medals went to Therese Jane Vergara, Jessa Tumlayen, Azumi Reika Lopez, and Ryan Christopher Caluza.
The team's Speed Kicking campaign also produced four gold medals, courtesy of Ryan Christopher Caluza, Elcanor L. Mang-usan Jr., Jessa Tumlayen, and Khyla Kreanzzel B. Guinto. Randall Zhane Montes claimed silver, while Khian Shem D. Lubin earned bronze.
In Regular Kyorugi, Xandrei Abayao, Verna Odezza U. Baniago, Heilee Sky A. Tacbas, and Alec Gaile D. Mananig each captured gold medals. Randall Zhane Montes added a silver medal to the team's growing collection.
Day Three Adds More Gold Medals
The team's campaign concluded on October 4 with another series of strong performances, particularly in Virtual Reality Taekwondo.
Xandrei Abayao, Elcanor L. Mang-usan Jr., Therese Jane Vergara, and Khian Shem D. Lubin each won gold medals in VR Taekwondo, demonstrating their ability to compete across different formats of the sport.
In Regular Kyorugi, Azumi Reika Lopez also secured a gold medal, providing another highlight to the team's final day of competition.
A Testament to Discipline and Preparation
The results in Tangerang underscore the importance of consistent training, technical development, and mental discipline in preparing athletes for international competition. From traditional poomsae and sparring to speed-based and virtual reality events, Team STP demonstrated its willingness to test its abilities across a broad range of taekwondo disciplines.
Beyond the medals, the championship provided valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the participating athletes. Each match and event offered an opportunity to sharpen their skills, measure their progress, and carry important lessons back to their respective training programs.
Team STP's performance at the Pugnator Open International Taekwondo Championship 2026 stands as a proud achievement for its athletes, coaches, and the STP community. Their efforts reflect the continuing pursuit of excellence and the determination to represent Philippine taekwondo with honor on the international stage.