Ateneo boys bag historic bronze trophy in UAAP 86 for team kyorugi

For the first time in 20 years, the Blue Eagles have won the bronze trophy for the kyorugi team event of the UAAP Season 86 Juniors Taekwondo tournament! This is quite the feat for this band of junior high and senior high jins, all of whom are proudly homegrown with not one recruit among them.

In addition, two Ateneans won individual medals. Leading the assault to the podium was team captain Niko Macasaet (12-Geronimo), whose tally of four wins and one loss in his number two featherweight category (out of five fighters in the team) secured him the silver. Meanwhile, AJHS jin Nathan Chupungco (10-Regis) bagged a personal bronze despite a punch to the base of his throat during one match.  

The members of the bronze-winning kyorugi team are Niko Macasaet, Joaquin Abella (11-Fontoura),  Matteo Carlos (11-Escribano), Nathan Chupungco, Carlos David (12-Arnaiz), Max Favila (10-Pires), Alonzo Pasion (11-Wright), and Gabe Samson (12-Carvalho). They were coached by Elmer Rafael, Lito Laga, and Joey Paja. The Ateneo Taekwondo Program is headed by Master Jobet Morales. 

The UAAP Season 86 Taekwondo Tournament was held at the Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City from November 27 – 29, 2023.