Chengdu, China – August 25, 2025 — Young Filipino athletes made a powerful statement on the world stage as Team Philippines delivered an impressive haul of medals at the 2025 Taekwondo Grand Slam Youth League Global Finals, held from August 21 to 25 in Chengdu, China.
The prestigious event gathered some of the most promising youth competitors from across the globe, serving as a premier platform to showcase discipline, skill, and international camaraderie through the art of Taekwondo.
Day 1:
- Khyla Guinto - Gold in Individual Poomsae (Regular) and Electronic Kicking, while adding a silver in Individual Poomsae (Elite)
- Klanxy Penrad - Gold in Individual Poomsae (Regular) and Electronic Kicking
- Xedric James Faroden - Silver in Kyorugi (Elite) and a Gold in Electronic Kicking
- Elcanor Mang-usan Jr. - Gold in Individual Poomsae and Electronic Kicking, along with a silver in Kyorugi (Elite)
- Justine Ballogan - silver in Kyorugi (Elite) and gold in Electronic Kicking
Day 2:
- Klanxy Penrad - Gold in Kyorugi(Elite)
Day 3:
- Elcanor Mang-usan Jr. - Gold in Kyorugi(Regular)
- Justin Ballogan - Silver in Kyorugi(Regular)
- Klanxy Penrad - Bronze in Kyorugi(Regular)
Looking Ahead: Road to 2026
With Chengdu now in the books, preparations are already underway for the 2026 Philippine Team Selection for the next Grand Slam Youth Global Finals. The selection will be conducted through STP and PTF Philippines (Professional Taekwondo Federation)-sanctioned events, beginning with the Benguet Martial Arts Festival 4 on September 13 at the Benguet Sports Complex. This tournament will mark the first step in identifying and molding the next generation of Filipino Taekwondo athletes who will carry the nation’s pride to the international stage.