By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Promising young athletes shone bright in the 2025 SMART MVP Sports Foundation Regional New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championships held in Bacolod City.

Leading the gold medal haul for La Libertad Taekwondo Red Stallions were Allhea Nicole Estacion, Dozhoenel Imbo, Jasmine Gabrielle Cabugnason, Novem Zyra Sabac, Nazzi Khoryn Laturnas, and Charles Batistil.

Silver medalists included Zachary Jayden Pumphrey, Jeramy Dolor, Francis Aaron Enoc, and Enfyneth Alpuelto, while bronze honors went to Phiona Zlia Rubio, Francis Aaron Enoc, and Christian Oliver Lim.

The athletes were guided by trainer Dio Lim and assistant trainer Anna Rose Ehida, with training staff members Angel Marie Eustaquio, Allhea Nicole Estacion and Christian Oliver Lim playing key roles in preparations.

The tournament showcased emerging talents from the region, underscoring the continued growth of taekwondo as a grassroots sport in Negros Occidental./ASC, WDJ