22/08/2026
Happy 50th Anniversary Philippine Taekwondo Assocoation
Philippine Taekwondo Association Commemorates its 50th Golden Anniversary
By Gab Ferreras
The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) marked its golden anniversary this year with a weekend packed with high-level competition, demonstrations, and a grand celebration honoring its remarkable five-decade journey in the sport.
The festivities kicked off with the PTA National Interschool Taekwondo Championships, which featured Kyorugi competitions on August 22-23 and Poomsae on August 30 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Collegiate, junior, and cadet jins battled for medal supremacy in the tournament, which served as a crucial final tune-up for their respective upcoming competitions.
The opening ceremony was made even more meaningful by the presence of key officials from Kukkiwon, led by President Yun Ung Suk, as well as representatives from Kyungmin University. The ceremony also featured an impressive demonstration by the Kyungmin University and Philippine Taekwondo Demonstration Teams, showcasing the discipline, athleticism, and artistry of taekwondo.
The milestone celebration was capped by the PTA's 50th Anniversary Gala Night last Saturday at Okada Manila in Parañaque City, bringing together prominent figures from Philippine taekwondo, as well as key sports and government officials.
Among those who attended the celebration were Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation President Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Former Senator Grace Poe and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
PTA President and Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan said that the vision of its founder and chief executive officer Grandmaster Sung Chon-Hong, which started PTA in 1976 has made a huge impact in the lives of every Taekwondo jin who represented the flag and country.
"Noong dumating siya noong 1976 as part of 100 elite blackbelters na pinadala ng Korea around the world to promote taekwondo to become an Olympic sport, i joined in 1977, and i was one of the first students. If PTA celebrated 50 years, i am celebrating 49 years with PTA, but as a friend and as a mentor.", Alunan said.
"Because of performance ethic, discipline and ability to organize and train to compete in international competitions, the Philippines has earned high honors since 1988 when Taekwondo introduced as a demonstration sport, and then we competed in the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, World Championships and Paralympics.", he added.
PTA is currently preparing for the national team's campaign in the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan and World Poomsae Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea as well as the formal opening of its new taekwondo center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex set early next year.
"Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa PTA, tuloy-tuloy ang program para sa nation building through sports.", said Rocky Samson, Secretary General of PTA.
Photo: Department of National Defense
