Elisha Kleon Baquial (left) of Far Eastern University-Diliman faces Jin Raphael Gaupo of University of Santo Tomas in the boys’ +70kg final of the UAAP Season 88 taekwondo tournament at Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Friday (April 24, 2026). Baquial edged Gaupo, 2-1, to secure FEU-D’s first title. (UAAP photo)
Far Eastern University-Diliman leaned on a championship moment from Elisha Kleon Baquial to secure the boys’ title in the UAAP Season 88 taekwondo tournament on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.
With the overall crown hanging in the balance, Baquial rose to the occasion for the Baby Tamaraws, outlasting University of Santo Tomas’ Jin Raphael Gaupo in a gripping +70kg final, 2-1 (3–4, 9–1, 10–1). After dropping the opening round, Baquial stormed back with dominant performances in the next two frames, sealing the gold and the team championship in emphatic fashion.
The victory capped a strong multi-sport run for FEU-D, which now boasts four titles this UAAP season, having also ruled the U19 basketball, football, and blitz chess tournaments.
Head coach Paul Romero could hardly contain his emotions after the triumph, crediting the team’s relentless preparation and sacrifices.
“Very happy; I can’t explain my feeling because we really prepared for this competition. The sacrifices of the kids and the coaches are really, really worth it,” Romero said.
The title duel came down to the wire, with FEU-D and UST entering the final bout tied at two gold medals apiece. UST drew earlier victories from Khadryck Costina and Akira Malonzo, while FEU-D countered with golds from Josh Pinatacan and Jayar Cruza—setting the stage for Baquial’s decisive win.
Romero revealed he had already laid out the possible scenarios to his fighters but emphasized composure over pressure.
“I told them what could happen, but I said, ‘No pressure. Just do your game and your best.’ This is their last, and they’ve poured everything into this. The Lord is really good—they were truly prepared,” he added.
FEU-D bolstered its campaign with three bronze medals, while UST settled for second place with a 2-2-1 gold-silver-bronze haul. National University Nazareth School finished third with two silvers and three bronzes.
In the girls’ division, National University’s Lady Bullpups delivered a commanding performance, sweeping all four gold medals in the tournament’s inaugural staging.