KUCHING: Sarawak taekwondo exponents did the state proud when they emerged overall grand champions in the recent Sarawak Chief Minister’s Borneo Cup International Taekwondo (WTF) Championship 2017.
Some 500 exponents, coaches and officials from 16 countries converged at the Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Petra Jaya for the championship held from July 15 to 16.
In the tournament which was divided into four categories – Super Cadet (9-11 years of age), Cadet (12-14 years of age) Junior Open (15-17 years of age) and Senior Open (18 years and above) – Sarawak collected a total of 28 gold medals to beat nearest rivals Taiwan and Indonesia who won a total of 18 and 12 gold medals respectively.
Sanctioned by the national body and supported by Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, the two-day poomsae and sparring tournament which was organised by the Sarawak Taekwondo Association (WTF/PTNS) and technically assisted via its tournament board, Referee Board and IT team.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Snowdan Lawan who represented the Chief Minister while the closing was officiated by the organising chairman and deputy president of Sarawak Taekwondo Association (WTF), Azizul Annuar Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem.
Also present at both ceremonies were the association’s president Tuan Haji Mohamad Salleh Haji Sani, its national technical chairman Master Dhanaraj Rassiah, its state technical chairman and Sarawak chief instructor, Master Tan Check Joon, EB committee, sponsors and donors.
“In two days, one sport, 16 nations, 23 teams, one thousand and one volunteers, friends and families, we have been able to unite and make this biennial international taekwondo event a success.
“Teamwork makes our dream works,” said Azizul during his closing speech. “I have been greatly honoured to hand over the gold, silver and bronze medals to the winners, but what means the most to me was to present the Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem Challenge Trophy to the overall champions … that is Sarawak!,” exclaimed Azizul.
