Filipina teenager Tachiana Keshia Mangin brought glory to the country by winning the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category in the 2024 World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea, on October 5, 2024.
The path to gold was no easy feat. Mangin faced Kim Hyang-Gi, the South Korean crowd favorite, in the finals. Despite the immense pressure of competing in front of a home crowd, Mangin held her ground with remarkable composure.
Her win not only demonstrated her physical prowess but also her mental toughness, as she fought against fatigue and high expectations, having competed in multiple matches earlier in the day.
Mangin's historic victory brought the Philippines back to the global stage in the sport of Taekwondo, a sport where the country had seen success in the past but had struggled to reach the podium in recent years.
Her gold medal win was reminiscent of Alex Borromeo’s championship title in the men’s 47 kg category at the inaugural edition of the championships in 1996, held in Barcelona, Spain. With this win, Mangin has reignited hopes for the future of Taekwondo in the Philippines, signaling the return of Filipino athletes to the international spotlight.
Recognizing the magnitude of her achievement, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Joel Villanueva both filed Senate Resolutions—No. 1210 and No. 1212—to honor Mangin's victory. The Senators expressed their deep admiration for the young athlete, emphasizing the significance of her contribution to the country's sports scene.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution seeking to commend 16-year-old Tachiana Kezhia Mangin for ending the Philippines’ 28-year wait for a gold medal at the 2024 World Taekwondo Junior Championships. https://t.co/sOCaiTw2KB pic.twitter.com/ok2lDlCUok
— Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada (@jinggoyestrada_) October 17, 2024
Estrada stated, “She deserves commendation from the Senate for putting the country back on the taekwondo map and for exemplifying positive values of unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence at such a young age. Mangin brought great pride and honor to the nation with her momentous victory. Her impressive accomplishment embodies the immense potential of the new generation of Filipino athletes, and heralds a bright future for the Philippines.”
Villanueva echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Mangin’s record-breaking performance at the World Taekwondo Junior Championships has brought great pride and honor to the whole UST community and the country. Her victory serves as an inspiration and motivation to all Filipinos, especially the youth and aspiring athletes, and thus merits recognition from this august chamber.”
Their words reflect the pride and hope Mangin's victory has sparked throughout the country, not just within the Taekwondo community but across all Filipino sports enthusiasts.
Mangin's victory is more than just a personal triumph; it symbolizes the resurgence of Filipino talent in the world of Taekwondo. After nearly three decades without a gold medal in the World Taekwondo Junior Championships, Mangin’s win could pave the way for more young Filipinos to embrace the sport, both as a hobby and a potential career path. Her performance is proof that, with the right support and training, Filipino athletes can compete and excel on the global stage.
The Senators noted that Mangin’s win would not only help popularize Taekwondo in the Philippines but also inspire young athletes to pursue the sport professionally. As Senator Villanueva pointed out, her victory has become a beacon of hope for many aspiring athletes, especially those in senior high school and other young students like herself who dream of representing the Philippines in international competitions.
Mangin’s success also shines a spotlight on the importance of sports development programs in the Philippines. Her journey, from training as a student-athlete at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to winning gold on the international stage, exemplifies the value of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to grow and compete.
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