Undisputed Palaro player Exson Ace Emam from Basilan National High School (BNHS) defended his gold medal today, April 24, 2024, in his match against a taekwondo jin from Pagadian division in the feather weight kyorugi secondary boys category.
Exson engaged in a heated sparring match with his rivals, where his strength and skills were immensely challenged. However, the determined Exson lived up to expectations and secured himself a championship spot with his iconic turning kick, stunning his competitors from Zamboanga Del Sur and Zamboanga City, respectively.
“Pangarap ko ang makilala sa larangan ng taekwondo kaya puspusan ang aking training kasama ang aking mga kapatid, kahit sa gabi,” Emam said, referring to his siblings who are also sports enthusiasts and competed in the ZPRAA Qualifying Meet. “Ibibigay ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya para muling makuha ang Gold medal. Gusto kong ipakita sa kanila ang tunay na galing ng isang Isabeleรฑo,” Exson stated before diving into his championship match against Pagadian City, a strong opponent.
During the highly anticipated championship round, an intense atmosphere filled City Mall as the much-awaited match between two strong players took place. The spectators from both teams were unrestrained in cheering for their favorites. Despite the pressure, Exson overwhelmed his opponent with kicks to the head and back-to-back punches, leaving his rival struggling to keep up. Exson’s unwavering defense of his gold made the taekwondo jin from Pagadian City fall short, as he was unable to match Exson’s scoreline. Exson finished the game with his incredible combat skills, securing the gold medal once more.
“Ang suporta ng aking mga magulang, mga kaibigan, at higit sa lahat, ang mga efforts ng aking mga trainers, sina Sir Kenneth, Kuya Terdy, at ang aking coach na si Sir Kinnet, gusto kong suklian ng magandang laban at ng gintong medalya. Hindi matatawaran ang tiwalang ibinigay nila sa akin mula pa noong simula pa lang, kaya’t ang gold medal na ito ay para din sa kanila, para sa mga taong unang naniwala at nagtiwala sa akin,” Exson humbly shared after the taekwondo jin from Pagadian City bowed down to him, following his back-to-back victories and reclaiming the gold medal in the feather weight kyorugi division this year.
Exson’s dominating performance proved he is an ace in the taekwondo discipline for a reason, claiming his second gold medal after his victory last year, thus solidifying Exson Ace Emam’s name in the ZPRAA 2024 Taekwondo Kyorugi discipline.
Words and photos by Gianne D. Rodriguez
