Grade 7 jin Koko Capiral grabs gold in 'New Face' TKD tourney

Three young jins from Ateneo de Manila won medals for kyorugi in the recent New Face of the Year Sparring Taekwondo Championships. Ateneo Junior High School (AJHS) student Koko Capiral (7-Berchmans in School Year 2023-2024) was awarded a gold medal in the under 152 cm category. Meanwhile, recent AJHS completer Max Favila (10-Pires) and recent Senior High School graduate Gabe Samson (12-Carvalho) both won the silver medal in the under 73 kg category and the under 68 kg category, respectively.  

Koko, Max, and Gabe were coached by Lito Laga, Joey Paja, Elmer Rafael and Jason Locsin for the competition, which was held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila from 25-26 May 2024.  

The New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championships are hosted by the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) and organized by the Smart/MVP Sports Foundation. With the goal of discovering new talents in the sport, the competition is held annually to attract young jins from all over the Philippines to a thrilling yet formative two-day tournament.