Mangin wins gold in World Taekwondo Junior Championships

Tachiana Mangin became the first Filipina world champion after dominating the 2024 World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea.

The 16-year-old Filipina jin conquered local bet Kim Hyang-gi in the final of the women’s 49-kilogram category. Mangin secured the gold after three rounds of sparring via a 14-8, 3-4, 7-6 decision.

Mangin is the first Filipino female world titlist of the tournament and the second Filipino athlete since Alex Borromeo triumphed in the 47-kilogram class in the first edition of the competition in 1996 held in Barcelona, Spain. 

Prior to her finals appearance, Mangin won her semifinal bout after her opponent Lamprini Anna Asimaki of Greece withdrew due to injury. 

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary general Rocky Samson expressed that he sees a bright future for the UST Senior High School standout as her victory will surely provide her more opportunities at the senior level in international tournaments such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Asian Games.

“Especially now that she is a world champion, you will see her compete in tournaments like the SEA Games,” Samson said.

Mangin also defeated Egypt’s Habiba Wael Emerah in the quarterfinals, Thailand’s Natkamon Wassana in the Round of 16, and Spain’s Judith Cordoba in the Round of 32.