Wushu national coaches to scout talents here

NATIONAL coaches of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) Bobby Hong and Tong Quing Hai are in Davao City to scout promising talents who will compete in the 2nd Mindanao Open Wushu Sanda Championships slated November 16 and 17.

This was bared by Nell Jone Astudillo, president of King's Sword Martial Arts and WFP regional coach, in yesterday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at The Annex of SM City Davao.

Astudillo said the guest coaches have the capability to select potential athletes for the national wushu team.

"Everytime may event na present siya (Hai), if meron siyang makitang potential athlete, kahit hindi pa nag gold medal, kukunin niya para mag train ng 10 days sa training center sa Manila," Astudillo said, adding that the athlete who will pass coach Hai's 10-day training will become a member of the Philippine team.

Hong will facilitate the refresher's course for coaches before the event followed by an officiating course the same day.

The event, according to Astudillo, is not just another search for future Philippine Team members but also to promote peace, unity and character development through sports.

From 70 last year, Astudillo said registered participants doubled to 150 this year. Entries from Cebu City and other parts of Mindanao signed up.

"Meron tayong entries from Kidapawan City, Zamboanga City, Tagum City, General Santos City, Mlang, South Cotabato, Bukidnon City, Bansalan and Panabo City," he said.

He also thanked the support of the WFP, private sponsors and the Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) for providing the billeting area of the visiting participants through the Department of Education (Deped) Davao City Division.