CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Another Kagay-anon athlete has brought pride to the city after winning gold on the international taekwondo stage.
Samantha Gley Duria captured the gold medal in the Junior Female Under-42 kg division at the 7th Kimunyong Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships held July 25–28 at Jangchung Arena in Seoul, South Korea.
Her victory underscores the growing strength of Cagayan de Oro's grassroots taekwondo program, showing that local athletes can excel against some of the world's best young competitors.
Duria's gold was among the Philippines' top finishes in the tournament. Chuck Aeron Alariao of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, earned a silver medal in the Junior Male Under-68 kg division.
Also representing the country were Laizel Angela Abucay of the Seniors National Team and Hillary Abbot of the National Academy of Sports. Although they fell short of the podium, both gained valuable international experience that could benefit future national campaigns.
Duria's latest triumph adds to Cagayan de Oro's growing reputation as a producer of top taekwondo talent.
Her victory comes on the heels of another strong showing by the city's jins. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Associate)
