KUCHING: The Sarawak government has given assurance that it will always support any effort to hold taekwondo tournaments.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Sarawak Taekwondo Association president Azizul Annuar Adenan and his team has done a good job and has developed taekwondo as one of the successful sports in the Land of the Hornbill.
“This includes not only Sarawak but the whole of Malaysia. Indeed he (Azizul) has brought our flag to the national sports arena,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing of the Premier of Sarawak Borneo Cup International Taekwondo (WTF) Championship 2022 at the Indoor Stadium yesterday.
Abang Johari, who is also patron of the Sarawak Taekwondo Association, said that taekwondo has two important elements, namely discipline and fast reflex action.
“Firstly, those who are involved in taekwondo have a high sense of discipline and this is very important for individual talent as well as for nation building.
“The second element I noticed is the reflex action in which you have to be fast and when you kick, you have to have pre-calculated movement otherwise you might miss the target.
“That is why these two elements are very important in the development of youth talents,” the Premier pointed out.
Abang Johari hence said it was important to have high quality and disciplined youth. At the same time, they (the youth) must also be forward looking, and only then the country can progress.
“Meaning, Sarawak is in the safe hands of the present youth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azizul said that 700 athletes representing 22 teams from 18 countries participated in the Premier of Sarawak Borneo Cup International Taekwondo (WTF) Championship 2022.
“For the participants, you have shown us how much all the power of taekwondo sport can unite the world.
“By competing in friendship and respect, by living in harmony under one roof in the WTF family, you are sending a powerful message of peace to all of us.
“Together, we can go further. Together, we can aim higher. United in our diversity, we are stronger,” he said.
He also said he hoped to see such an event like this to be held again with the support of the state government and Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Meanwhile, Sarawak finished as the overall champions in the Senior Open Team by winning nine gold, eight silver and five bronze medals.
Sarawak also emerged as the overall champion in the Junior Team by winning 11 gold, 14 silver, and 19 bronze medals as well as the overall Poomsae champion with nine gold and eight silver medals, including winning the overall grand champion with 30 gold, 34 silver and 41 bronze medals.
