S.Selvam
Dec 27
IF results of the Philippines Sea Games are a benchmark, then, 2005 will go down as a mediocre year for martial arts in the country.
With some 80 gold medals at stake for the five martial art sports - judo, karate-do, silat, taekwondo and wushu - the national contingent returned with just nine gold medals, and many silvers and bronzes.
Biased judging may be the convenient excuse for the poor haul, but I believe this excuse will also be given when Thailand hosts the Games in 2007.
For that is the nature of the sport - subjective. In fact, that is what makes the sport, to some extent, appealing to its practitioners as well.
In the Philippines, karate emerged as the biggest contributors with four gold medals, while silat and taekwondo returned with three and two gold medals, respectively. In fact, these three sports actually met their respective targets.
While wushu atoned for its "Manila nightmare" by bagging four gold medals in the last week's World Championships, judo's poor run in the Sea Games needs to be looked into seriously.
Granted that the sport does not enjoy the massive support and status that taekwondo and karate enjoy, but the last time judo won a Sea Games gold medal was in 1981, and surely 24 years is enough time to arrest whatever decline the sport had suffered.
Then there is taekwondo, an Olympic sport. Unfortunately, this is one Olympic sport that will soon find itself losing its popularity and support if it continues on in its present path.
In fact, one can write a book on taekwondo's problems and on the antics of its officials.
Last year's Sportswoman of the Year and Olympian Elaine Teo bungled so badly in Manila that, and if it wasn't for the heroics of little known Rusfredy Tokan Petrus, taekwondo would not have met its two-gold medal target.
Elaine bungled because it was based on her request that the national coaches, the National Sports Council and the Olympic Council of Malaysia endorsed the decision to put her in a heavier category simply because she was confident of winning the gold medal in that category.
Furthermore, with a Thai Olympic bronze medallist in her original category, Elaine felt she did not have a chance to win.
This coming from an athlete who has been identified as medallist in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year!
Having said that, taekwondo is also one sport where Southeast Asians, judging by the number of quality opponents and Olympic and World medallists, are world class.
The exponents from Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia have produced medallists at the World and Olympic stage, and as such, no matter how much running Malaysian exponents do, they are bound to meet a world class opponent at the Sea Games level.
On the administration front, the de-registration of the Malaysian Taekwondo Asociation (MTA) saw law suits and police reports being lodged at a furious pace.
And while certain parties seem to emphasise that the young exponents and the sport are the ones suffering, they (warring parties) are the ones actually doing all the damage.
As for karate, national coach P. Arivalagan should be given some credit for his boldness in stating that the team was good for seven gold medals in Manila.
Although only four was the final tally, won, Arivalagan's stand is refreshing given Malaysian sport officials' nature of being too conservative with their medal predictions for fear of not meeting the target.
And come 2006, with the Asian Games coming up in December, you can bet that biased judging will rear its head again and officials will be singing the same old tune.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Friday, December 30, 2005
MALAYSIA:Koryo girls score big in Inter-Club
K.M. BOOPATHY
Dec 19
KORYO Taekwondo Academy made fine start in the inaugural NSC-Milo-MTCA Inter-Club Taekwondo Championships grabbing five gold medals at the National Sports Council’s gymnasium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Koryo were dominant in the Girls’ 14-17 category where they took five of 10 gold medals on offer with multiple national junior champion Koh Jen Li leading the way.
Jen Li clinched the lightweight category beating Seah Kwi San of the Warrior Academy, while Tan Yi Ching of TL Taekwondo Academy and G. Baljhoti settled for bronze.
Koryo also won the finweight gold through Adriana Noryasmin while Nurul Afiqah Harun and Nor Aslinda were victorious in the welterweight and light-middleweight categories respectively.
The fifth gold was delivered by bantamweight Nurul Asfahlina and they can expect more success when the Boys’ 14-17 and Open categories are contested today.
Viva Taekwondo Club (Viva) took two gold medals through the Zulkifli siblings Zulaikha Athirah in the flyweight and Zatil Akmal in the heavyweight categories.
Viva won another gold medal in the Boys’ 10-13 category when K. Sarran Raj won the welterweight.
Terengganu-based Gemilang Academy, Warisan Academy and Bangsar Taekwondo and Fitness Centre (BTFC) won four gold medals each.
Gemilang, who captured 11 gold in the National Junior Championships earlier this year, won three gold medals in the Girls’ 10-13 category.
Wan Nur Alya Afiqah Mustafa won the bantamweight gold, Nur Amalin Aisha Rusdi took the welterweight gold and Nur Dina Shaharuddin won the light heavyweight.
Their fourth gold came in the Boys’ 10-13 category through Azzamuddin Razali in the lightweight event.
Warisan won the Boys’ 10-13 event through Nik Ishraq Hasif in the flyweight, the featherweight through Ahza Syahmi, while Izzati Ahmad (lighweight) and Nik Attilya Hanis (middlweight) delivered in the Girls’ 10-13 age-group.
BTFC won three gold medals through Aiman Nur Najah Kamruzaman (flyweight), Kerry Gan (featherweight) and Fu Hsu Hui (light middleweight), while their fourth gold was delivered by Denise Kok in the Girls’ 14-17 featherweight.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Dec 19
KORYO Taekwondo Academy made fine start in the inaugural NSC-Milo-MTCA Inter-Club Taekwondo Championships grabbing five gold medals at the National Sports Council’s gymnasium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Koryo were dominant in the Girls’ 14-17 category where they took five of 10 gold medals on offer with multiple national junior champion Koh Jen Li leading the way.
Jen Li clinched the lightweight category beating Seah Kwi San of the Warrior Academy, while Tan Yi Ching of TL Taekwondo Academy and G. Baljhoti settled for bronze.
Koryo also won the finweight gold through Adriana Noryasmin while Nurul Afiqah Harun and Nor Aslinda were victorious in the welterweight and light-middleweight categories respectively.
The fifth gold was delivered by bantamweight Nurul Asfahlina and they can expect more success when the Boys’ 14-17 and Open categories are contested today.
Viva Taekwondo Club (Viva) took two gold medals through the Zulkifli siblings Zulaikha Athirah in the flyweight and Zatil Akmal in the heavyweight categories.
Viva won another gold medal in the Boys’ 10-13 category when K. Sarran Raj won the welterweight.
Terengganu-based Gemilang Academy, Warisan Academy and Bangsar Taekwondo and Fitness Centre (BTFC) won four gold medals each.
Gemilang, who captured 11 gold in the National Junior Championships earlier this year, won three gold medals in the Girls’ 10-13 category.
Wan Nur Alya Afiqah Mustafa won the bantamweight gold, Nur Amalin Aisha Rusdi took the welterweight gold and Nur Dina Shaharuddin won the light heavyweight.
Their fourth gold came in the Boys’ 10-13 category through Azzamuddin Razali in the lightweight event.
Warisan won the Boys’ 10-13 event through Nik Ishraq Hasif in the flyweight, the featherweight through Ahza Syahmi, while Izzati Ahmad (lighweight) and Nik Attilya Hanis (middlweight) delivered in the Girls’ 10-13 age-group.
BTFC won three gold medals through Aiman Nur Najah Kamruzaman (flyweight), Kerry Gan (featherweight) and Fu Hsu Hui (light middleweight), while their fourth gold was delivered by Denise Kok in the Girls’ 14-17 featherweight.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Sunday, December 04, 2005
MANILA SEA GAMES: Chew Chan regains gold
THE Malaysian taekwondo squad placed their bets on Elaine Teo and Che Chew Chan to deliver the gold medals to meet a two-gold target set for the Manila Games.
Elaine failed to live up to expectations but Chew Chan kept her end of the bargain to deliver the second gold yesterday from the women's middleweight competition.
NO PROBLEM: Taekwondo exponent Che Chew Chan won gold in the middleweight category.
The other gold, an unexpected one, came from Rusfredy Tokan Petrus in the flyweight competition on Tuesday.
On the final day of the taekwondo programme at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila, Chew Chan romped to a 6-1 victory over the Philippines' Veronica Domingo to claim the gold medal.
The 23-year-old Johorean had seen off the challenge of Vietnam's Tran Thi Ngoc Tram, winning 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Team manager M. Rajendran said: “Chew Chan was expected to bag us a gold in Manila and she did not disappoint us at all.
“She was hardly troubled by her opponent in the final. She was in a class of her own to cruise to an easy victory.”
It was the 23-year-old Chew Chan's third appearance in the SEA Games. She was the gold medallist in the 2001 Games in Kuala Lumpur and took the bronze in Vietnam two years ago.
The team will return home with a haul of 2-0-5.
The men's bronze medallists were Mohd Afifuddin Omar Sidek (bantam), Syed Taufiq Abdul Hamid (feather) and Wong Kai Meng (welter).
The women, who contributed bronze medals were A. Gayathiri (welter) and Noornadia Norrizan (bantam).
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Elaine failed to live up to expectations but Chew Chan kept her end of the bargain to deliver the second gold yesterday from the women's middleweight competition.
NO PROBLEM: Taekwondo exponent Che Chew Chan won gold in the middleweight category.
The other gold, an unexpected one, came from Rusfredy Tokan Petrus in the flyweight competition on Tuesday.
On the final day of the taekwondo programme at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila, Chew Chan romped to a 6-1 victory over the Philippines' Veronica Domingo to claim the gold medal.
The 23-year-old Johorean had seen off the challenge of Vietnam's Tran Thi Ngoc Tram, winning 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Team manager M. Rajendran said: “Chew Chan was expected to bag us a gold in Manila and she did not disappoint us at all.
“She was hardly troubled by her opponent in the final. She was in a class of her own to cruise to an easy victory.”
It was the 23-year-old Chew Chan's third appearance in the SEA Games. She was the gold medallist in the 2001 Games in Kuala Lumpur and took the bronze in Vietnam two years ago.
The team will return home with a haul of 2-0-5.
The men's bronze medallists were Mohd Afifuddin Omar Sidek (bantam), Syed Taufiq Abdul Hamid (feather) and Wong Kai Meng (welter).
The women, who contributed bronze medals were A. Gayathiri (welter) and Noornadia Norrizan (bantam).
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
MANILA SEA GAMES: Rusfredy cries in joy after conquering Dech in sudden death
Wednesday November 30, 2005
SABAHAN Rusfredy Tokan Petrus shed tears of joy after winning his first SEA Games gold after a nail-biting 5-4 win over Thailand's Dech Sutthikunkarn in sudden death of the men's taekwondo flyweight final at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila yesterday.
Malaysia won four other bronze medals in the day's competition with the men and the women contributing two each.
The men's medallists were featherweight exponent Syed Taufiq Abdul Hamid and welterweight exponent Wong Kai Meng.
The women's medallists were A. Gayathiri and Noornadia Norrizan in the welterweight and bantamweight divisions respectively.
It was touch-and-go for Rusfredy and Dech and the three-round bout ended with the score tied at 4-4.
In sudden-death, Rusfredy was quick off the mark, finding his target after 15 seconds. He landed the gold medal with a flying kick to his opponent’s chest.
The 24-year-old Rusfredy said: “The visit by the Sports Minister (Datuk Azalina Said Othman) after Elaine Teo's defeat served as inspiration to me.
“She told us not to give up because she still has faith in us winning gold medals.”
It was the second appearance in the SEA Games for Rusfredy. He finished empty handed in Vietnam in 2003 and was determined to do well in Manila.
“The hard work put in during training has paid off. It was tough all the way but I am glad to deliver the gold for Malaysia,” he said proudly.
Source From http://www.thestar.com.my
SABAHAN Rusfredy Tokan Petrus shed tears of joy after winning his first SEA Games gold after a nail-biting 5-4 win over Thailand's Dech Sutthikunkarn in sudden death of the men's taekwondo flyweight final at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila yesterday.
Malaysia won four other bronze medals in the day's competition with the men and the women contributing two each.
The men's medallists were featherweight exponent Syed Taufiq Abdul Hamid and welterweight exponent Wong Kai Meng.
The women's medallists were A. Gayathiri and Noornadia Norrizan in the welterweight and bantamweight divisions respectively.
It was touch-and-go for Rusfredy and Dech and the three-round bout ended with the score tied at 4-4.
In sudden-death, Rusfredy was quick off the mark, finding his target after 15 seconds. He landed the gold medal with a flying kick to his opponent’s chest.
The 24-year-old Rusfredy said: “The visit by the Sports Minister (Datuk Azalina Said Othman) after Elaine Teo's defeat served as inspiration to me.
“She told us not to give up because she still has faith in us winning gold medals.”
It was the second appearance in the SEA Games for Rusfredy. He finished empty handed in Vietnam in 2003 and was determined to do well in Manila.
“The hard work put in during training has paid off. It was tough all the way but I am glad to deliver the gold for Malaysia,” he said proudly.
Source From http://www.thestar.com.my
MANILA SEA GAMES: Elaine falls in first round
Nov 29:
OLYMPIAN and 2004 Sportswoman of The Year Elaine Teo could be the first casualty of the AsiaComm 2006 Special Project squad after she was ditched in the first round of taekwondo's women's bantamweight category at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila yesterday.
The Sea Games is the benchmark to gauge the progress of the AsiaComm elite athletes, comprising 138 of the country's top athletes, and Elaine's failure to even land a medal may cause her a place in the squad.
While officials from the National Sports Council, and even Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, have repeatedly said that performance, more than medals, is what counts in Manila, Elaine's case is slightly different.
Elaine was beaten 2-1 by Vietnam's Le Thi Thu Nguyet in the first round of the competition. Even Azalina was concerned.
"The Sea Games is the benchmark for athletes in the AsiaComm 2006 project, and we will review their performances in these Games," said Azalina.
"After this, the programmes will also be reviewed, and if they (AsiaComm management team) feel that the athletes are unable to perform, they will be dropped from the squad."
In taekwondo, Elaine and Chee Chew Chan are the two athletes in the AsiaComm programme and were expected to deliver medals at next year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games or Doha Asian Games.
In fact, team officials, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia, had gone to the extent of "forcing" Noornadia Norrizan, who was the sole Malaysian to win a gold — in the bantamweight category — in the Asean Championships last year, to compete in a lighter weight category to accommodate Elaine.
However, on a happier note, Mohamed Afifuddin Omar Sidek bagged a bronze in the men's bantamweight, going down 4-2 to Philippines' Tshomlee Go in the semi-finals.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
OLYMPIAN and 2004 Sportswoman of The Year Elaine Teo could be the first casualty of the AsiaComm 2006 Special Project squad after she was ditched in the first round of taekwondo's women's bantamweight category at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila yesterday.
The Sea Games is the benchmark to gauge the progress of the AsiaComm elite athletes, comprising 138 of the country's top athletes, and Elaine's failure to even land a medal may cause her a place in the squad.
While officials from the National Sports Council, and even Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, have repeatedly said that performance, more than medals, is what counts in Manila, Elaine's case is slightly different.
Elaine was beaten 2-1 by Vietnam's Le Thi Thu Nguyet in the first round of the competition. Even Azalina was concerned.
"The Sea Games is the benchmark for athletes in the AsiaComm 2006 project, and we will review their performances in these Games," said Azalina.
"After this, the programmes will also be reviewed, and if they (AsiaComm management team) feel that the athletes are unable to perform, they will be dropped from the squad."
In taekwondo, Elaine and Chee Chew Chan are the two athletes in the AsiaComm programme and were expected to deliver medals at next year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games or Doha Asian Games.
In fact, team officials, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia, had gone to the extent of "forcing" Noornadia Norrizan, who was the sole Malaysian to win a gold — in the bantamweight category — in the Asean Championships last year, to compete in a lighter weight category to accommodate Elaine.
However, on a happier note, Mohamed Afifuddin Omar Sidek bagged a bronze in the men's bantamweight, going down 4-2 to Philippines' Tshomlee Go in the semi-finals.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MANILA SEA GAMES: Elaine falls in first round
Nov 29:
OLYMPIAN and 2004 Sportswoman of The Year Elaine Teo could be the first casualty of the AsiaComm 2006 Special Project squad after she was ditched in the first round of taekwondo's women's bantamweight category at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila yesterday.
The Sea Games is the benchmark to gauge the progress of the AsiaComm elite athletes, comprising 138 of the country's top athletes, and Elaine's failure to even land a medal may cause her a place in the squad.
While officials from the National Sports Council, and even Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, have repeatedly said that performance, more than medals, is what counts in Manila, Elaine's case is slightly different.
Elaine was beaten 2-1 by Vietnam's Le Thi Thu Nguyet in the first round of the competition. Even Azalina was concerned.
"The Sea Games is the benchmark for athletes in the AsiaComm 2006 project, and we will review their performances in these Games," said Azalina.
"After this, the programmes will also be reviewed, and if they (AsiaComm management team) feel that the athletes are unable to perform, they will be dropped from the squad."
In taekwondo, Elaine and Chee Chew Chan are the two athletes in the AsiaComm programme and were expected to deliver medals at next year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games or Doha Asian Games.
In fact, team officials, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia, had gone to the extent of "forcing" Noornadia Norrizan, who was the sole Malaysian to win a gold — in the bantamweight category — in the Asean Championships last year, to compete in a lighter weight category to accommodate Elaine.
However, on a happier note, Mohamed Afifuddin Omar Sidek bagged a bronze in the men's bantamweight, going down 4-2 to Philippines' Tshomlee Go in the semi-finals.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
OLYMPIAN and 2004 Sportswoman of The Year Elaine Teo could be the first casualty of the AsiaComm 2006 Special Project squad after she was ditched in the first round of taekwondo's women's bantamweight category at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila yesterday.
The Sea Games is the benchmark to gauge the progress of the AsiaComm elite athletes, comprising 138 of the country's top athletes, and Elaine's failure to even land a medal may cause her a place in the squad.
While officials from the National Sports Council, and even Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, have repeatedly said that performance, more than medals, is what counts in Manila, Elaine's case is slightly different.
Elaine was beaten 2-1 by Vietnam's Le Thi Thu Nguyet in the first round of the competition. Even Azalina was concerned.
"The Sea Games is the benchmark for athletes in the AsiaComm 2006 project, and we will review their performances in these Games," said Azalina.
"After this, the programmes will also be reviewed, and if they (AsiaComm management team) feel that the athletes are unable to perform, they will be dropped from the squad."
In taekwondo, Elaine and Chee Chew Chan are the two athletes in the AsiaComm programme and were expected to deliver medals at next year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games or Doha Asian Games.
In fact, team officials, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia, had gone to the extent of "forcing" Noornadia Norrizan, who was the sole Malaysian to win a gold — in the bantamweight category — in the Asean Championships last year, to compete in a lighter weight category to accommodate Elaine.
However, on a happier note, Mohamed Afifuddin Omar Sidek bagged a bronze in the men's bantamweight, going down 4-2 to Philippines' Tshomlee Go in the semi-finals.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Thursday, November 24, 2005
MALAYSIA: SEA GAMES/Taekwondo: Get two gold or you’re failures
S. Selvam
Nov 23
FROM a sport that delivered 10 gold medals in the 1989 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, taekwondo has been reduced to relying on winning gold medals by avoiding exponents from other countries.
Which is why, anything less than two gold medals, given the support and special arrangements that have been made, will be considered a failure for the national taekwondo team in the Sea Games.
Both gold medals are expected to come from the two elite members of the Gemilang 2006 Special Project squad, Elaine Teo and Chee Chew Chan in the women's bantamweight and middleweight categories respectively.
In fact, team officials, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia, have gone to the extent of "forcing" Noornadia Norrizan, who was the sole Malaysian to win a gold — in the bantamweight category — in the Asean Championships last year, to compete in a lighter weight category to accommodate Elaine.
Elaine was initially expected to compete in the flyweight category but will now compete in the heavier category as the team officials believe she can guarantee a gold medal in the bantamweight category.
Which means Noornadia will now compete in the flyweight category.
Malaysia's sole gold medal came two years ago via Lim Yit Min after Elaine could not even take to the ring (and had to settle for a bronze medal) as she was injured.
Which is why the pressure is now on coach R. Dhanaraj and Moi Chee Keong to better the 2003 haul.
Elaine and Chew Chan are part of the 138-strong elite athletes under the Gemilang 2006 Special Project squad which is for athletes who are potential medallists at next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne or the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.
Taekwondo is among a few select sports that is actually world class when it comes to the Sea Games, and Manila will provide a perfect platform for the national exponents, especially Elaine and Chew Chan, to gauge their standard and progress in the region.
Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand have world class exponents and if Malaysia harbour any hopes of winning medals in Doha next year, they have to win in Manila.
Which is why team officials were so afraid of Elaine meeting Thailand's Athens Olympic Games bronze medallist Yaowapa Boorapolchai, that the former was allowed to move up to a heavier category at the expense of Noornadia.
But in doing this, another problem has cropped up in the form of Noornadia needing to shed four kilogrammes of her body weight to enable her to compete in the flyweight category.
The flyweight is for those in the 47kg-51kg bracket while the bantamweight is for those in the 51kg-55kg.
Team manager K. M. Rajendran expressed confidence that Noornadia will be able to lose her weight, but whether the team can deliver two gold medals remains to be seen.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Nov 23
FROM a sport that delivered 10 gold medals in the 1989 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, taekwondo has been reduced to relying on winning gold medals by avoiding exponents from other countries.
Which is why, anything less than two gold medals, given the support and special arrangements that have been made, will be considered a failure for the national taekwondo team in the Sea Games.
Both gold medals are expected to come from the two elite members of the Gemilang 2006 Special Project squad, Elaine Teo and Chee Chew Chan in the women's bantamweight and middleweight categories respectively.
In fact, team officials, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Olympic Council of Malaysia, have gone to the extent of "forcing" Noornadia Norrizan, who was the sole Malaysian to win a gold — in the bantamweight category — in the Asean Championships last year, to compete in a lighter weight category to accommodate Elaine.
Elaine was initially expected to compete in the flyweight category but will now compete in the heavier category as the team officials believe she can guarantee a gold medal in the bantamweight category.
Which means Noornadia will now compete in the flyweight category.
Malaysia's sole gold medal came two years ago via Lim Yit Min after Elaine could not even take to the ring (and had to settle for a bronze medal) as she was injured.
Which is why the pressure is now on coach R. Dhanaraj and Moi Chee Keong to better the 2003 haul.
Elaine and Chew Chan are part of the 138-strong elite athletes under the Gemilang 2006 Special Project squad which is for athletes who are potential medallists at next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne or the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.
Taekwondo is among a few select sports that is actually world class when it comes to the Sea Games, and Manila will provide a perfect platform for the national exponents, especially Elaine and Chew Chan, to gauge their standard and progress in the region.
Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand have world class exponents and if Malaysia harbour any hopes of winning medals in Doha next year, they have to win in Manila.
Which is why team officials were so afraid of Elaine meeting Thailand's Athens Olympic Games bronze medallist Yaowapa Boorapolchai, that the former was allowed to move up to a heavier category at the expense of Noornadia.
But in doing this, another problem has cropped up in the form of Noornadia needing to shed four kilogrammes of her body weight to enable her to compete in the flyweight category.
The flyweight is for those in the 47kg-51kg bracket while the bantamweight is for those in the 51kg-55kg.
Team manager K. M. Rajendran expressed confidence that Noornadia will be able to lose her weight, but whether the team can deliver two gold medals remains to be seen.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Monday, October 31, 2005
MALAYSIA: OCM and WTF constitutions not helping 'peace efforts'
S. Selvam
Oct 31
THE constitutions of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) are on a collision course, and this could lead to a delay in getting the newly endorsed national body affiliated to the OCM and WTF.
This is because the OCM's constitution states that for a sports body to be recognised as the governing body for a particular sport, that body must first be recognised by the international federation concerned, and in this case, it is the WTF.
The WTF's rules and regulations, however, state that for a governing body to be accepted as a member of the WTF, it has to be first accepted by the national Olympic committee concerned, and in this case, it is the OCM.
And it is a predicament that was acknowledged by OCM deputy president Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan and vice-president W.Y. Chin.
"Our (OCM) constitution states that a sports body must first be affiliated to the international body before we recognise it as a governing body for a particular sport," said Jegathesan when asked to comment about the Sports Commissioner's approval of the Malaysian Taekwondo Federation (MTF) as a national body for taekwondo in the country.
"However, we are also aware that the WTF constitution states that the national body must first be accepted as a member of the NOC (National Olympic Committee, which is OCM).
"As such, we need to discuss this further (to recognise the MTF as the national body for taekwondo in Malaysia)."
The MTF is seeking to replace the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) as the new governing body for the sport in the country.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar approved MTF's application on Oct 14 after holding a public hearing that gave all interested parties, from State associations, clubs to parents, an opportunity to present their views.
The MTF is seeking to be the governing body for taekwondo in the country using the WTF-system.
Only the WTF-system taekwondo is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Chin also gave a similar clarification and said it was now up to the parties concerned to find an amicable solution.
"Hopefully, a solution can be found to bring to an end this long-drawn dispute," said Chin.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Oct 31
THE constitutions of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) are on a collision course, and this could lead to a delay in getting the newly endorsed national body affiliated to the OCM and WTF.
This is because the OCM's constitution states that for a sports body to be recognised as the governing body for a particular sport, that body must first be recognised by the international federation concerned, and in this case, it is the WTF.
The WTF's rules and regulations, however, state that for a governing body to be accepted as a member of the WTF, it has to be first accepted by the national Olympic committee concerned, and in this case, it is the OCM.
And it is a predicament that was acknowledged by OCM deputy president Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan and vice-president W.Y. Chin.
"Our (OCM) constitution states that a sports body must first be affiliated to the international body before we recognise it as a governing body for a particular sport," said Jegathesan when asked to comment about the Sports Commissioner's approval of the Malaysian Taekwondo Federation (MTF) as a national body for taekwondo in the country.
"However, we are also aware that the WTF constitution states that the national body must first be accepted as a member of the NOC (National Olympic Committee, which is OCM).
"As such, we need to discuss this further (to recognise the MTF as the national body for taekwondo in Malaysia)."
The MTF is seeking to replace the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) as the new governing body for the sport in the country.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar approved MTF's application on Oct 14 after holding a public hearing that gave all interested parties, from State associations, clubs to parents, an opportunity to present their views.
The MTF is seeking to be the governing body for taekwondo in the country using the WTF-system.
Only the WTF-system taekwondo is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Chin also gave a similar clarification and said it was now up to the parties concerned to find an amicable solution.
"Hopefully, a solution can be found to bring to an end this long-drawn dispute," said Chin.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Saturday, October 29, 2005
MALAYSIA: New body for taekwondo
By S. Selvam
Oct 29
A NEW governing body for taekwondo, the Malaysian Taekwondo Federation (MTF), has been approved by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
And since the MTF is seeking to replace the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) as the governing body for taekwondo practising the WTF-system (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia, the MTF has to seek the necessary approvals from the relevant parties.
The MTA, recognised by the WTF as the governing body for taekwondo in Malaysia, was de-registered on May 6.
The MTA, however, filed a civil case with the High Court regarding the revocation of its registration, which is now subject to an appeal at the Court of Appeal.
But as far as Elyas is concerned, the MTF has met all the necessary conditions and requirements as required under the 1997 Sports Development Act (Act 576), hence the approval.
"In accordance to Section 17 of the 1997 Sports Development Act, the Sports Commissioner has the authority to accept or reject the application for registration, and in making a decision on this matter," said Elyas in a 32-page statement yesterday.
"There were those who supported the registration of the MTF, and also those who objected to the registration.
"Overall, I have three choices with respect to the issue of the MTF application - postpone my decision, reject the application or accept the registration.
"However, I believe it is not reasonable to delay consideration of the application because under the Sports Act, the MTA no longer exists.
"This is because when MTA's registration was revoked, the association did not exercise its rights as provided by the Act to appeal to the Minister (Sports Minister) to review the decision made by the Sports Commissioner.
"Having failed to do so, the MTA has allowed the Sports Act to be applicable in full in so far as its existence is concerned, whether as a governing body or otherwise.
"In the meantime, the MTF application has met all the conditions and requirements as laid down by the Sports Act (under Act 576), and as such, the application to register the MTF as the governing body for taekwondo at the national level has been approved."
The application was approved on Oct 14.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Oct 29
A NEW governing body for taekwondo, the Malaysian Taekwondo Federation (MTF), has been approved by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
And since the MTF is seeking to replace the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) as the governing body for taekwondo practising the WTF-system (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia, the MTF has to seek the necessary approvals from the relevant parties.
The MTA, recognised by the WTF as the governing body for taekwondo in Malaysia, was de-registered on May 6.
The MTA, however, filed a civil case with the High Court regarding the revocation of its registration, which is now subject to an appeal at the Court of Appeal.
But as far as Elyas is concerned, the MTF has met all the necessary conditions and requirements as required under the 1997 Sports Development Act (Act 576), hence the approval.
"In accordance to Section 17 of the 1997 Sports Development Act, the Sports Commissioner has the authority to accept or reject the application for registration, and in making a decision on this matter," said Elyas in a 32-page statement yesterday.
"There were those who supported the registration of the MTF, and also those who objected to the registration.
"Overall, I have three choices with respect to the issue of the MTF application - postpone my decision, reject the application or accept the registration.
"However, I believe it is not reasonable to delay consideration of the application because under the Sports Act, the MTA no longer exists.
"This is because when MTA's registration was revoked, the association did not exercise its rights as provided by the Act to appeal to the Minister (Sports Minister) to review the decision made by the Sports Commissioner.
"Having failed to do so, the MTA has allowed the Sports Act to be applicable in full in so far as its existence is concerned, whether as a governing body or otherwise.
"In the meantime, the MTF application has met all the conditions and requirements as laid down by the Sports Act (under Act 576), and as such, the application to register the MTF as the governing body for taekwondo at the national level has been approved."
The application was approved on Oct 14.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: National team to make up for flop in Vietnam
Friday October 28, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: The national taekwondo team have the task to make up for the disappointment of a one-gold haul at the last SEA Games in Vietnam in 2003.
Lim Yit Win secured the country's only gold medal in taekwondo and the face-saving victory came on the last day of the competition.
For the upcoming Manila SEA Games, it will definitely not be easy for the Malaysian exponents because those from the rival countries have improved by leaps and bounds.
The battle for the majority of the 16 gold medals at stake is expected to be a three-cornered fight among the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Taekwondo is one of the most popular combat sports in the Philippines and their exponents have featured in the last two Olympics.
The Filipinos have been training in Europe since the beginning of the year and they are expected to stake a strong claim for gold medals in the men's competition together with the Vietnamese.
Malaysia can expect to aim for top honours in the women's competitions together with Indonesia.
Coach R. Dhanaraj has only identified two exponents – Elaine Teo and Che Chew Chan – as the good bets for gold medals.
Both are former SEA Games champions and are the only two taekwondo exponents under the 2006 elite squad programme.
Both Elaine and Chew Chan will compete in different weight divisions for tactical reasons.
Elaine has moved back to bantamweight to avoid clashing with Athens Olympics bronze medallist Yaowapa Boorapolchai of Thailand, who is the favourite to win the flyweight competition.
“It is very hard for Elaine if she remains in flyweight. She will have to fight it out with the Thai or the Indonesian girl (Juwana Wangsa Puteri, who won the world qualifiers for the Olympics in Paris in 2003),” said Dhanaraj.
“Chew Chan also has a better chance if she competes in the middleweight category.”
However, the other Malaysian exponents can spring a few surprises if the draws are favourable to them.
Among those with the potential to rise to the occasion are male exponents Rusfredy Tokan Petrus and Mohd Afifuddin Omar, bronze medallists in the Korean Open and Islamic Solidarity Games this year.
Noornadia Norrizan, who is making her SEA Games debut with twin sister Noordiana, won gold in the South-East Asian championships last year and she could be counted on to deliver as weel.
Malaysia, in fact, have lost the chance to fight for medals in five categories.
The majority of the exponents have also been training under a cloud of uncertainty after the national body were de-registered recently.
It was only two months ago that the remaining exponents received assurances from the National Sports Council (NSC) on their funding and participation.
Source from http:www.thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The national taekwondo team have the task to make up for the disappointment of a one-gold haul at the last SEA Games in Vietnam in 2003.
Lim Yit Win secured the country's only gold medal in taekwondo and the face-saving victory came on the last day of the competition.
For the upcoming Manila SEA Games, it will definitely not be easy for the Malaysian exponents because those from the rival countries have improved by leaps and bounds.
The battle for the majority of the 16 gold medals at stake is expected to be a three-cornered fight among the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Taekwondo is one of the most popular combat sports in the Philippines and their exponents have featured in the last two Olympics.
The Filipinos have been training in Europe since the beginning of the year and they are expected to stake a strong claim for gold medals in the men's competition together with the Vietnamese.
Malaysia can expect to aim for top honours in the women's competitions together with Indonesia.
Coach R. Dhanaraj has only identified two exponents – Elaine Teo and Che Chew Chan – as the good bets for gold medals.
Both are former SEA Games champions and are the only two taekwondo exponents under the 2006 elite squad programme.
Both Elaine and Chew Chan will compete in different weight divisions for tactical reasons.
Elaine has moved back to bantamweight to avoid clashing with Athens Olympics bronze medallist Yaowapa Boorapolchai of Thailand, who is the favourite to win the flyweight competition.
“It is very hard for Elaine if she remains in flyweight. She will have to fight it out with the Thai or the Indonesian girl (Juwana Wangsa Puteri, who won the world qualifiers for the Olympics in Paris in 2003),” said Dhanaraj.
“Chew Chan also has a better chance if she competes in the middleweight category.”
However, the other Malaysian exponents can spring a few surprises if the draws are favourable to them.
Among those with the potential to rise to the occasion are male exponents Rusfredy Tokan Petrus and Mohd Afifuddin Omar, bronze medallists in the Korean Open and Islamic Solidarity Games this year.
Noornadia Norrizan, who is making her SEA Games debut with twin sister Noordiana, won gold in the South-East Asian championships last year and she could be counted on to deliver as weel.
Malaysia, in fact, have lost the chance to fight for medals in five categories.
The majority of the exponents have also been training under a cloud of uncertainty after the national body were de-registered recently.
It was only two months ago that the remaining exponents received assurances from the National Sports Council (NSC) on their funding and participation.
Source from http:www.thestar.com.my
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Email: MAIL@TIMESPORT: Where’s the justice?
Aug 20:
AS one of the thousands of parents in Malaysia whose children are in taekwondo (WTF), I am deeply concerned and confused by the status of the Malaysian Taekwondo Association that was de-registered by the Sports Commissioner on May 6, 2005.
While we are informed that the MTA is no longer in existence and therefore non-functional, yet the office in the Olympic Council of Malaysia building is still open, and its officials are still calling the shots.
I say they are still in charge as on Aug 4 a group of five people calling themselves the Council Members of MTA came to the Pusat Cemerlang in Puchong where the Juniors were training and warned the children that they would not be allowed to compete in the 3rd Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships in Kazakhstan from August 19-21, if they competed in the LG 6th International Clubs Open championships that ended at Genting Highlands August 11.
We didn’t think much of that as we believed MTA were no longer in power by virtue of their de-registration. So our children competed in the LG tournament under the banner of Bukit Jalil Sports School and won 7 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals and the Overall Champion Award for the Junior Category. One of them also won the Best Player Award for the Junior Category (14-17 years) after beating Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong and Jordan respectively for the gold.
But to our dismay, true to their threats the Juniors were informed by their coach on August 12, the Asian Taekwondo Union had barred the Malaysian team from competing as they were not sanctioned by the MTA.
And this directive came a week after an invitation to compete was sent by the organisers to the Minister of Sports namely, Datuk Azalina Othman Said.
Sports Minister Datuk Azalina immediately approved the trip. Visas, passports, flight tickets and budget for the campaign were acquired within the shortest of time with lots of help from friends and well-wishers to get these enthusiastic Junior Players to Kazakhstan on time.
To all these good people, I can only say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH".
But what we would like to know is why weren’t the WTF informed of the de-registration by the Olympic Council of Malaysia, and why is the Sports Commissioner’s office allowing the de-registered MTA to function and ride roughshod over helpless children and their parents who want to see taekwondo prosper in this country?
We would like to know where the OCM stand in this matter, because we feel they were not really passionate about wanting to see the kids competing in the Asian tournament.
Because if they did, they would have done everything they could to convince the WTF that MTA was de-registered and therefore there was no necessity to seek the latter’s sanction.
Their letter to the WTF which stated that while the OCM doesn’t have the jurisdiction, however has no objections about the Malaysian team competing in the Asian tournament.
That’s like saying: "We know they are going but it’s up to you to decide."
So what we have right now, is a bunch of eager kids in Kazakhztan devastated because they have been officially informed by the organisers that they can’t compete.
I don’t know, who to blame for this. But I know one thing, that we as adults have failed miserably in our duties.
In the old days, when people are obstructed from defending their country, the offenders could be punished for treason. But I guess, it’s more acceptable now.
CONCERNED AND CONFUSED PARENT
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
AS one of the thousands of parents in Malaysia whose children are in taekwondo (WTF), I am deeply concerned and confused by the status of the Malaysian Taekwondo Association that was de-registered by the Sports Commissioner on May 6, 2005.
While we are informed that the MTA is no longer in existence and therefore non-functional, yet the office in the Olympic Council of Malaysia building is still open, and its officials are still calling the shots.
I say they are still in charge as on Aug 4 a group of five people calling themselves the Council Members of MTA came to the Pusat Cemerlang in Puchong where the Juniors were training and warned the children that they would not be allowed to compete in the 3rd Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships in Kazakhstan from August 19-21, if they competed in the LG 6th International Clubs Open championships that ended at Genting Highlands August 11.
We didn’t think much of that as we believed MTA were no longer in power by virtue of their de-registration. So our children competed in the LG tournament under the banner of Bukit Jalil Sports School and won 7 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals and the Overall Champion Award for the Junior Category. One of them also won the Best Player Award for the Junior Category (14-17 years) after beating Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong and Jordan respectively for the gold.
But to our dismay, true to their threats the Juniors were informed by their coach on August 12, the Asian Taekwondo Union had barred the Malaysian team from competing as they were not sanctioned by the MTA.
And this directive came a week after an invitation to compete was sent by the organisers to the Minister of Sports namely, Datuk Azalina Othman Said.
Sports Minister Datuk Azalina immediately approved the trip. Visas, passports, flight tickets and budget for the campaign were acquired within the shortest of time with lots of help from friends and well-wishers to get these enthusiastic Junior Players to Kazakhstan on time.
To all these good people, I can only say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH".
But what we would like to know is why weren’t the WTF informed of the de-registration by the Olympic Council of Malaysia, and why is the Sports Commissioner’s office allowing the de-registered MTA to function and ride roughshod over helpless children and their parents who want to see taekwondo prosper in this country?
We would like to know where the OCM stand in this matter, because we feel they were not really passionate about wanting to see the kids competing in the Asian tournament.
Because if they did, they would have done everything they could to convince the WTF that MTA was de-registered and therefore there was no necessity to seek the latter’s sanction.
Their letter to the WTF which stated that while the OCM doesn’t have the jurisdiction, however has no objections about the Malaysian team competing in the Asian tournament.
That’s like saying: "We know they are going but it’s up to you to decide."
So what we have right now, is a bunch of eager kids in Kazakhztan devastated because they have been officially informed by the organisers that they can’t compete.
I don’t know, who to blame for this. But I know one thing, that we as adults have failed miserably in our duties.
In the old days, when people are obstructed from defending their country, the offenders could be punished for treason. But I guess, it’s more acceptable now.
CONCERNED AND CONFUSED PARENT
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Juniors’ hopes shattered
S. Selvam
Aug 20:
THE dreams and hopes of 14 junior taekwondo exponents were shattered when the Malaysians were barred from competing in the Asian Junior Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan late Thursday night.
Despite frantic appeals from Malaysian officials, the organisers, the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) could not accommodate the request as the decision to bar the Malaysian team was made by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
Malaysia was represented by the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) with a team of seven boys and seven girls.
"The WTF said that we cannot compete because we did not go through the national association, the MTA (Malaysian Taekwondo Association)," said coach K.M. Rajendran in a telephone interview from Almaty, Kazakhstan yesterday.
"As far as they (WTF) are concerned, no official notification has been sent to them informing of MTA's de-registration.
"As such, WTF still recognises MTA as the national association."
The MTA was de-registered on May 6 by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for hindering the development of the sport.
The MTA also did not make use of the 30-day window to appeal the decision. However, MTA has taken the matter to court and is currently waiting for their appeal to be heard in the Court of Appeal after their leave for judicial review was dismissed by the High Court on Aug 9.
"Although we explained that there was no national association as the MTA has been de-registered, it (the explanation) was not accepted," added Rajendran.
"We also showed the supporting letters from the OCM (Olympic Council of Malaysia) and NSC (National Sports Council) but to no avail.
"The students are demoralised and some are in tears as they will not be eligible (overage) for the next championships in 2007.
"We appealed, begged and tried everything possible but could not get the go-ahead to compete.
"I will be submitting a report to the NSC upon our return to KL (Kuala Lumpur) and whatever transpired here will be included in the report."
The team will return on Monday.
Source fron http://www.nst.com.my
Aug 20:
THE dreams and hopes of 14 junior taekwondo exponents were shattered when the Malaysians were barred from competing in the Asian Junior Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan late Thursday night.
Despite frantic appeals from Malaysian officials, the organisers, the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) could not accommodate the request as the decision to bar the Malaysian team was made by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).
Malaysia was represented by the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) with a team of seven boys and seven girls.
"The WTF said that we cannot compete because we did not go through the national association, the MTA (Malaysian Taekwondo Association)," said coach K.M. Rajendran in a telephone interview from Almaty, Kazakhstan yesterday.
"As far as they (WTF) are concerned, no official notification has been sent to them informing of MTA's de-registration.
"As such, WTF still recognises MTA as the national association."
The MTA was de-registered on May 6 by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar for hindering the development of the sport.
The MTA also did not make use of the 30-day window to appeal the decision. However, MTA has taken the matter to court and is currently waiting for their appeal to be heard in the Court of Appeal after their leave for judicial review was dismissed by the High Court on Aug 9.
"Although we explained that there was no national association as the MTA has been de-registered, it (the explanation) was not accepted," added Rajendran.
"We also showed the supporting letters from the OCM (Olympic Council of Malaysia) and NSC (National Sports Council) but to no avail.
"The students are demoralised and some are in tears as they will not be eligible (overage) for the next championships in 2007.
"We appealed, begged and tried everything possible but could not get the go-ahead to compete.
"I will be submitting a report to the NSC upon our return to KL (Kuala Lumpur) and whatever transpired here will be included in the report."
The team will return on Monday.
Source fron http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Exponents barred from taking part in Asian Junior meet
Saturday August 20, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: The 14-member Malaysian team who arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Wednesday for the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships were shockingly barred from taking part in the meet which started yesterday.
Team coach K.M. Rajendran said in a telephone interview that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) stopped the team from taking part as they did not have the necessary endorsement from their national association, the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA).
“The Asian Taekwondo Union, the organisers of the meet, gave us a verbal approval to participate. We also had letters of endorsement from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the National Sports Council (NSC).
“But when we landed in Kazakhstan, the WTF stopped us from taking part as our trip was not endorsed by the national body.
“I informed them that MTA was deregistered by the Malaysian Sports Commissioner in May. WTF said they had not been informed and thus will not allow us to take part without a letter from MTF,” said Rajendran.
“The ATU were willing to allow us to compete.
But ATU said they needed WTF's approval. Since WTF did not give their approval, we were not allowed to compete,” added Rajendran.
The team will be returning from Almathy on Monday.
Rajendran added that he will submit a report to NSC on what happened.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The 14-member Malaysian team who arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Wednesday for the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships were shockingly barred from taking part in the meet which started yesterday.
Team coach K.M. Rajendran said in a telephone interview that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) stopped the team from taking part as they did not have the necessary endorsement from their national association, the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA).
“The Asian Taekwondo Union, the organisers of the meet, gave us a verbal approval to participate. We also had letters of endorsement from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the National Sports Council (NSC).
“But when we landed in Kazakhstan, the WTF stopped us from taking part as our trip was not endorsed by the national body.
“I informed them that MTA was deregistered by the Malaysian Sports Commissioner in May. WTF said they had not been informed and thus will not allow us to take part without a letter from MTF,” said Rajendran.
“The ATU were willing to allow us to compete.
But ATU said they needed WTF's approval. Since WTF did not give their approval, we were not allowed to compete,” added Rajendran.
The team will be returning from Almathy on Monday.
Rajendran added that he will submit a report to NSC on what happened.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
TAEKWONDO: Malaysian juniors all fired up
S. Selvam
Aug 18
DESPITE lacking international exposure, Malaysia’s 14-member team to the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships are fired-up to better the country’s record in the meet when the competition gets underway in Almaty, Kazakhstan tomorrow.
Malaysia’s best performance was one silver and one bronze medal achieved in the 2003 edition in Vietnam.
And with Ryan Chong and Koh Jen Li, silver and bronze medallists respectively in the last meet still around, head coach K.M. Rajendran believes the team are capable of rising to the occasion.
"Our aim is to better our achievement in this tournament. In the first championships (in 2001), we returned with three bronze medals and in the last edition, we got one silver and one bronze. This year, we want to improve on that," said Rajendran after the flag handing-over ceremony at the Bukit Jalil Sports School in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Malaysia’s contingent to the three-day Championships comprise students from the BJSS.
The Education Ministry’s Physical Education and Sports Department’s director of policy and sports development Jalaluddin Othman handed the flag to team manager Dom Amy Hussain.
Also present at the ceremony were BJSS senior assistant (student affairs) Suhaimi Abdullah and assistant coach Mohamed Azlan Abdullah.
"We are banking on Ryan and Jen Li to lead the way as they were both medallists in the last championships," added Rajendran.
"In fact, hopefully, Ryan will become the first Malaysian to win an Asian junior taekwondo title as he has shown greater maturity and experience in training.
"However, the only setback is the lack of international exposure and competitive matches.
"To date, they have only competed in the National Youth Championships, the Selangor Open and International Clubs Championships in Genting Highlands.
"But the students have vowed to put up a strong display and we are optimistic of a good outing."
The squad left for Kazakhstan last night.
THE SQUAD — Boys: B. Sathiyswaran (finweight), Mohamed Haziq Hazwan (flyweight), Ryan Chong (featherweight), Abdul Majid Mohd (welterweight), Jeffrey Kiang (light-middleweight), Nicholas Nathan (middleweight), T. Janagaraj (light-heavyweight).
Girls: Tang Meng Poh (finweight), Wan Nur Latifah Wan Mohd Yussof (flyweight), Nurul Asfahlina Mohamed Johari (flyweight), Koh Jen Li (featherweight), Erni Syazwani Azman (lightweight), Nurul Afiqah Harun (welterweight), Norazlinda Mohamed Johari (light-middleweight).
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Aug 18
DESPITE lacking international exposure, Malaysia’s 14-member team to the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships are fired-up to better the country’s record in the meet when the competition gets underway in Almaty, Kazakhstan tomorrow.
Malaysia’s best performance was one silver and one bronze medal achieved in the 2003 edition in Vietnam.
And with Ryan Chong and Koh Jen Li, silver and bronze medallists respectively in the last meet still around, head coach K.M. Rajendran believes the team are capable of rising to the occasion.
"Our aim is to better our achievement in this tournament. In the first championships (in 2001), we returned with three bronze medals and in the last edition, we got one silver and one bronze. This year, we want to improve on that," said Rajendran after the flag handing-over ceremony at the Bukit Jalil Sports School in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Malaysia’s contingent to the three-day Championships comprise students from the BJSS.
The Education Ministry’s Physical Education and Sports Department’s director of policy and sports development Jalaluddin Othman handed the flag to team manager Dom Amy Hussain.
Also present at the ceremony were BJSS senior assistant (student affairs) Suhaimi Abdullah and assistant coach Mohamed Azlan Abdullah.
"We are banking on Ryan and Jen Li to lead the way as they were both medallists in the last championships," added Rajendran.
"In fact, hopefully, Ryan will become the first Malaysian to win an Asian junior taekwondo title as he has shown greater maturity and experience in training.
"However, the only setback is the lack of international exposure and competitive matches.
"To date, they have only competed in the National Youth Championships, the Selangor Open and International Clubs Championships in Genting Highlands.
"But the students have vowed to put up a strong display and we are optimistic of a good outing."
The squad left for Kazakhstan last night.
THE SQUAD — Boys: B. Sathiyswaran (finweight), Mohamed Haziq Hazwan (flyweight), Ryan Chong (featherweight), Abdul Majid Mohd (welterweight), Jeffrey Kiang (light-middleweight), Nicholas Nathan (middleweight), T. Janagaraj (light-heavyweight).
Girls: Tang Meng Poh (finweight), Wan Nur Latifah Wan Mohd Yussof (flyweight), Nurul Asfahlina Mohamed Johari (flyweight), Koh Jen Li (featherweight), Erni Syazwani Azman (lightweight), Nurul Afiqah Harun (welterweight), Norazlinda Mohamed Johari (light-middleweight).
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Ryan, Koh out for better show
BY S. SIVABALAN
Thursday August 18, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: Ryan Chong and Koh Jen Li are aiming for an improved performance in the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships, which begin tomorrow in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
And they hope to return with gold medals.
At the last championships in Vietnam two years ago, Ryan and Jen Li were the only medal winners for Malaysia. Then, they competed in the flyweight category and Ryan won silver in the boys’ competition while Jen Li took the bronze in the girls’ category.
ALL FIRED UP: The national junior taekwondo team pose for a group photograph before leaving for the Asian Junior Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Wednesday.
Malaysia will again bank on the duo to win medals and they will be competing in the featherweight category this time. Both of them will be making their last appearance in the championships.
“I will not be eligible to compete in the next championships and I hope I can bow out with a gold medal,” said the 17-year-old Ryan.
“I will be moving up in the category of competition. I am ready and I believe I have a chance to get among the medallists.
“I am stronger, more experienced and more confident now compared to two years ago.”
The 16-year-old Jen Li feels that she has a chance to return with a gold medal.
“Two years ago, I competed against much taller exponents in the flyweight category,” she said.
“The girls in the featherweight competition are relatively shorter. This makes it easier for me to fight against them. It will be my last Asian Junior Championships and it will be great to come back with a gold.
“But it’s better to take one bout at a time instead of thinking so far ahead.”
The 14-member Malaysian team of seven boys and seven girls left for Almaty last night.
THE SQUAD
BOYS: B. Stahiyswaran (finweight), Mohd Hafiq Hazwan (flyweight), Ryan Chong (featherweight), Abdul Majid Mohd (welterweight), Jeffrey King (light-middleweight), Nicholas Nathan (middleweight), T. Janagaraj (light-heavyweight).
GIRLS: Tang Meng Poh (finweight), Nurul Asfahlina Mohd Johari (flyweight), Wan Nur Latifah Wan Mohd Yussof (bantamweight), Koh Jen Li (featherweight), Erni Syazwani Azman (lightweight), Nurul Afiqah Harun (welterweight), Norazlinda Mohd Johari (light-middleweight).
MANAGER: Dom Amy Hussain.
COACHES: K. Rajendran, Mohd Azlan Abdullah.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Thursday August 18, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: Ryan Chong and Koh Jen Li are aiming for an improved performance in the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships, which begin tomorrow in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
And they hope to return with gold medals.
At the last championships in Vietnam two years ago, Ryan and Jen Li were the only medal winners for Malaysia. Then, they competed in the flyweight category and Ryan won silver in the boys’ competition while Jen Li took the bronze in the girls’ category.
ALL FIRED UP: The national junior taekwondo team pose for a group photograph before leaving for the Asian Junior Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Wednesday.
Malaysia will again bank on the duo to win medals and they will be competing in the featherweight category this time. Both of them will be making their last appearance in the championships.
“I will not be eligible to compete in the next championships and I hope I can bow out with a gold medal,” said the 17-year-old Ryan.
“I will be moving up in the category of competition. I am ready and I believe I have a chance to get among the medallists.
“I am stronger, more experienced and more confident now compared to two years ago.”
The 16-year-old Jen Li feels that she has a chance to return with a gold medal.
“Two years ago, I competed against much taller exponents in the flyweight category,” she said.
“The girls in the featherweight competition are relatively shorter. This makes it easier for me to fight against them. It will be my last Asian Junior Championships and it will be great to come back with a gold.
“But it’s better to take one bout at a time instead of thinking so far ahead.”
The 14-member Malaysian team of seven boys and seven girls left for Almaty last night.
THE SQUAD
BOYS: B. Stahiyswaran (finweight), Mohd Hafiq Hazwan (flyweight), Ryan Chong (featherweight), Abdul Majid Mohd (welterweight), Jeffrey King (light-middleweight), Nicholas Nathan (middleweight), T. Janagaraj (light-heavyweight).
GIRLS: Tang Meng Poh (finweight), Nurul Asfahlina Mohd Johari (flyweight), Wan Nur Latifah Wan Mohd Yussof (bantamweight), Koh Jen Li (featherweight), Erni Syazwani Azman (lightweight), Nurul Afiqah Harun (welterweight), Norazlinda Mohd Johari (light-middleweight).
MANAGER: Dom Amy Hussain.
COACHES: K. Rajendran, Mohd Azlan Abdullah.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
MALAYSIA: Chew Chan Eliminated Controversially In First Round
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Taekwondo exponent Che Chew Chan was eliminated controversially in the World University Games in Izmir, Turkey, Tuesday.
Chew Chan, who competed in the women's middleweight category of below 72kg, was edged out 3-4 by Thailand's Wasitte Prasopsuk in the first round.
Malaysian Universities Sports Council (Masum) said in a statement here today that Chew Chan clawed back from two points behind to level the points 3-3 after the second round of her bout.
In the third and final round, she managed to hit Prasopsuk's chest many times which caused the Thai to suffer an injury.
However, the final result was not in favour of the Malaysian as the kicks were not counted by the referee.
National taekwondo coach R. Dhanaraj lodged an official protest to the Games' technical committee but was unsuccessful.
Another exponent Elaine Teoh, who competed in last year's Olympic Games in Athens, is the best bet for Malaysia's first medal in the flyweight category tomorrow.
In the previous Games in Daegu, South Korea two years ago, Elaine won a bronze in the bantamweight category.
Apart from Elaine, also in action for Malaysia tomorrow will be Leong Mun Yee in the women's 3m springboard while Lim Wen Chean and See Hui Yee will begin their campaign in rhythmic gymnastics.
-- BERNAMA
Source from http://www.bernama.com
Chew Chan, who competed in the women's middleweight category of below 72kg, was edged out 3-4 by Thailand's Wasitte Prasopsuk in the first round.
Malaysian Universities Sports Council (Masum) said in a statement here today that Chew Chan clawed back from two points behind to level the points 3-3 after the second round of her bout.
In the third and final round, she managed to hit Prasopsuk's chest many times which caused the Thai to suffer an injury.
However, the final result was not in favour of the Malaysian as the kicks were not counted by the referee.
National taekwondo coach R. Dhanaraj lodged an official protest to the Games' technical committee but was unsuccessful.
Another exponent Elaine Teoh, who competed in last year's Olympic Games in Athens, is the best bet for Malaysia's first medal in the flyweight category tomorrow.
In the previous Games in Daegu, South Korea two years ago, Elaine won a bronze in the bantamweight category.
Apart from Elaine, also in action for Malaysia tomorrow will be Leong Mun Yee in the women's 3m springboard while Lim Wen Chean and See Hui Yee will begin their campaign in rhythmic gymnastics.
-- BERNAMA
Source from http://www.bernama.com
MALAYSIA: Ryan Targets Gold At Asian Junior Championships
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Taekwondo exponent Ryan Chong is targeting a gold medal in the three-day Third Asian Junior Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan which begins on Friday.
Ryan won a silver in the featherweight category in Vietnam two years ago.
"I am prepared to take on the challenge. My aim is to go higher than silver, and certainly not below what I achieved two years ago.
"In the Genting Open two weeks ago, I bagged the gold in the same category and in the Selangor Open last month I got a bronze...but I was competing in the senior category and lost to a national exponent," the 17-year-old told Bernama Wednesday.
The slim Ryan said his performance at the Asian meet would chart a new chapter in his career as it would be his last outing in the junior meet.
His coach K.M. Rajendran said Ryan has matured and been given the right exposure to excel at the top level.
"If things go smoothly and there is no injury, I believe he can strike gold," he said at the Jalur Gemilang handing over ceremony at the Bukit Jalil Sports School.
He said Malaysia were aiming for at least three medals from the Asian championships.
"In 2001 in Taiwan, we won three bronze medals and in 2003 in Vietnam we took home one silver and one bronze. I hope they can deliver at least three medals this time around.
"Everyone is in high spirits. Hopefully we get a favourable draw in the early rounds and avoid opponents from Iran, Taiwan and South Korea, as they are the strong countries in taekwondo," said Rajendran.
The 14 exponents comprising seven boys and seven girls will leave for Kazakhstan, Wednesday.
NATIONAL SQUAD:
Boys -- B. Sathiyswaran (finweight), Muhammad Haziq Hazwan (flyweight), Ryan Chong (featherweight), Abdul Majid Mohamad (welterweight), Jeffrey Kiang (light middleweight), N. Nicholas (middleweight), T. Janagaraj (light heavyweight). Girls -- Teng Meng Poh (finweight), Nurul Asfahlina Mohamed Johari (flyweight), Wan Nur Latifah Wan Mohamad Yussof (bantamweight), Koh Jen Li (featherweight), Erni Syazwani Azman (lightweight), Nurul Afiqah Harun (welterweight), Norazlinda Mohamed Johari (light middleweight).
-- BERNAMA
Source from http://bernama.com
Ryan won a silver in the featherweight category in Vietnam two years ago.
"I am prepared to take on the challenge. My aim is to go higher than silver, and certainly not below what I achieved two years ago.
"In the Genting Open two weeks ago, I bagged the gold in the same category and in the Selangor Open last month I got a bronze...but I was competing in the senior category and lost to a national exponent," the 17-year-old told Bernama Wednesday.
The slim Ryan said his performance at the Asian meet would chart a new chapter in his career as it would be his last outing in the junior meet.
His coach K.M. Rajendran said Ryan has matured and been given the right exposure to excel at the top level.
"If things go smoothly and there is no injury, I believe he can strike gold," he said at the Jalur Gemilang handing over ceremony at the Bukit Jalil Sports School.
He said Malaysia were aiming for at least three medals from the Asian championships.
"In 2001 in Taiwan, we won three bronze medals and in 2003 in Vietnam we took home one silver and one bronze. I hope they can deliver at least three medals this time around.
"Everyone is in high spirits. Hopefully we get a favourable draw in the early rounds and avoid opponents from Iran, Taiwan and South Korea, as they are the strong countries in taekwondo," said Rajendran.
The 14 exponents comprising seven boys and seven girls will leave for Kazakhstan, Wednesday.
NATIONAL SQUAD:
Boys -- B. Sathiyswaran (finweight), Muhammad Haziq Hazwan (flyweight), Ryan Chong (featherweight), Abdul Majid Mohamad (welterweight), Jeffrey Kiang (light middleweight), N. Nicholas (middleweight), T. Janagaraj (light heavyweight). Girls -- Teng Meng Poh (finweight), Nurul Asfahlina Mohamed Johari (flyweight), Wan Nur Latifah Wan Mohamad Yussof (bantamweight), Koh Jen Li (featherweight), Erni Syazwani Azman (lightweight), Nurul Afiqah Harun (welterweight), Norazlinda Mohamed Johari (light middleweight).
-- BERNAMA
Source from http://bernama.com
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
MALAYSIA: OCM to save the day
S. Selvam
August 16:
BITTER, frustrated and disillusioned. That sums up the sentiments of the group of parents and the 14 Asian Junior Championships-bound taekwondo exponents from the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).
Although the decision by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to support the BJSS team’s participation brought some cheer to the parents, feelings of uncertainty and apprehension still prevailed.
The 14 BJSS exponents were supposed to leave for Almaty, Kazakhstan tomorrow to compete in the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships. The meet starts on Friday.
However, their participation in the championships was in limbo as the World Taekwondo Federation, the international governing body, wanted an endorsement from the national association or the national Olympic committee.
However, there is no governing body in the country as the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) was de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.
But OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar confirmed that a letter will be sent to the WTF stating that the OCM has no objections to the team competing in the championships.
"We hope that the WTF will accept them (the exponents) into the championships," said Tunku Imran yesterday.
But for the parents, it was hardly a guarantee.
"We are grateful to the Sports Minister (Datuk Azalina Othman Said) and the OCM for assisting our children but we still don’t know whether they will be able to compete or not," said one parent Nik Zainal Nik Manshor at a Press conference organised by the BJSS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
ANXIOUS: Concerned parents and taekwondo exponents from the Bukit Jalil Sports School meeting its PTA chairman Dom Amy Hussain to seek clarification on the team’s participation in the Asian Junior Championships. — Pic: KHALID REDZA
"As parents, we hope this will be enough to let our children compete in the championships."
Another parent, R. Tiruvalluvan, who lost his left leg three months ago, said: "My dream was to see my son become a Malaysian sportsman. But now it looks like he may not be able to represent the country.
"He is my eldest child and was excited at the prospect of bringing honour to the country and his family. Now, I just don’t know what is going to happen.
"One third of my earning goes towards supporting his dream, so I hope he will be able to compete."
But for some parents, the bureaucracy involved in sending the team to Kazakhstan is simply to difficult to comprehend.
"Some of our children are in Form Five, and yet when they were offered a place in the school, we agreed to let them come here," said another parent.
"The officials presented a rosy picture but now we don’t even know what is happening to the sport.
"Their studies have been affected, and now it looks like their performance in the sport is as well."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
August 16:
BITTER, frustrated and disillusioned. That sums up the sentiments of the group of parents and the 14 Asian Junior Championships-bound taekwondo exponents from the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).
Although the decision by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to support the BJSS team’s participation brought some cheer to the parents, feelings of uncertainty and apprehension still prevailed.
The 14 BJSS exponents were supposed to leave for Almaty, Kazakhstan tomorrow to compete in the Asian Junior Taekwondo Championships. The meet starts on Friday.
However, their participation in the championships was in limbo as the World Taekwondo Federation, the international governing body, wanted an endorsement from the national association or the national Olympic committee.
However, there is no governing body in the country as the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) was de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.
But OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar confirmed that a letter will be sent to the WTF stating that the OCM has no objections to the team competing in the championships.
"We hope that the WTF will accept them (the exponents) into the championships," said Tunku Imran yesterday.
But for the parents, it was hardly a guarantee.
"We are grateful to the Sports Minister (Datuk Azalina Othman Said) and the OCM for assisting our children but we still don’t know whether they will be able to compete or not," said one parent Nik Zainal Nik Manshor at a Press conference organised by the BJSS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
ANXIOUS: Concerned parents and taekwondo exponents from the Bukit Jalil Sports School meeting its PTA chairman Dom Amy Hussain to seek clarification on the team’s participation in the Asian Junior Championships. — Pic: KHALID REDZA
"As parents, we hope this will be enough to let our children compete in the championships."
Another parent, R. Tiruvalluvan, who lost his left leg three months ago, said: "My dream was to see my son become a Malaysian sportsman. But now it looks like he may not be able to represent the country.
"He is my eldest child and was excited at the prospect of bringing honour to the country and his family. Now, I just don’t know what is going to happen.
"One third of my earning goes towards supporting his dream, so I hope he will be able to compete."
But for some parents, the bureaucracy involved in sending the team to Kazakhstan is simply to difficult to comprehend.
"Some of our children are in Form Five, and yet when they were offered a place in the school, we agreed to let them come here," said another parent.
"The officials presented a rosy picture but now we don’t even know what is happening to the sport.
"Their studies have been affected, and now it looks like their performance in the sport is as well."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Sport is alive and kicking
S. Selvam
Aug 13:
THE governing body may have been de-registered, but as far as taekwondo in Malaysia is concerned, the future looks solid.
And the just concluded 6th LG International Clubs Taekwondo Championships at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands hammered that point home in the best possible way.
Even organising the championships in Genting, not the cheapest of places in Malaysia, hardly deterred the clubs from supporting the event.
In fact, apart from the 19 local clubs, clubs from 14 other countries made the three-day championships a memorable one.
Among the countries that made an impact were Jordan, Vietnam, South Korea and Taiwan. In fact, Jordan emerged as overall champions with a total haul of 13 gold, six silver and 14 bronze.
SHINING STARS: The Gemilang team that competed in the LG International Clubs Taekwondo Championships at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands recently.
But more importantly, it was the strong presence of parents to cheer their children and their respective clubs that showed why taekwondo is so popular in the country.
And the de-registration of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA) hardly caused a ripple.
For the record, the MTA was de-registered by the Sports Commissioner's office on May 6 for hindering the development of the sport. Although the MTA took the matter to the High Court, the case was dismissed last Tuesday. The MTA, however, has stated that it would appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, some 500 exponents competed in four categories — the Open, Junior (14-17 years), Minor 1 (9-11 years) and Minor 2 (12-13 years), and there was little doubt where the most number of entries were in — the lower age groups.
And these exponents were accompanied by their parents and siblings, lending a wonderful 'Family Day' atmosphere at the Arena of Stars.
"We don't care about the politics in the MTA. As long as there are competitions and our children are not affected or victimised, we are happy," said one parent who declined to be named.
"Hence, we are grateful to the organisers (International Clubs Taekwondo Organisation) for organising this meet and bringing in foreigners to compete as well."
Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) coach K.M. Rajendran, who led his team to the Junior category title, said:
"We need more competitions that will expose our athletes to international exponents."
"The BJSS students, who are among the top juniors in the country, only competed against a foreign field twice this year, at the Selangor Open and here (International Clubs Championships). And this is hardly sufficient."
And that is what basically what the parents and coaches are clamouring for - more local competitions with an international flavour.
Sadly, for all the support and logistics at its disposal, there are only two championships which have international participation - this and the recent Selangor Open.
Which brings to fore the question - What are the rest, whether it is the MTA (before its de-registration), State taekwondo associations or other clubs doing?
Or is the national body and officials from the State only interested in overseas competitions so that they can tag along?
For that, ICTO, and sponsors LG Electronics, should be applauded for making this championships, a reality.
ROLL OF HONOUR — Overall Champions: Jordan (13-6-14); Minor 1 (9-11 years) Champion: Gemilang (3-2-3); Minor 2 (12-13 years) Champion: Jordan (6-1-4); Junior Champion: Bukit Jalil Sports School (7-2-3); Open Champion: Taiwan (4-0-0).
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Aug 13:
THE governing body may have been de-registered, but as far as taekwondo in Malaysia is concerned, the future looks solid.
And the just concluded 6th LG International Clubs Taekwondo Championships at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands hammered that point home in the best possible way.
Even organising the championships in Genting, not the cheapest of places in Malaysia, hardly deterred the clubs from supporting the event.
In fact, apart from the 19 local clubs, clubs from 14 other countries made the three-day championships a memorable one.
Among the countries that made an impact were Jordan, Vietnam, South Korea and Taiwan. In fact, Jordan emerged as overall champions with a total haul of 13 gold, six silver and 14 bronze.
SHINING STARS: The Gemilang team that competed in the LG International Clubs Taekwondo Championships at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands recently.
But more importantly, it was the strong presence of parents to cheer their children and their respective clubs that showed why taekwondo is so popular in the country.
And the de-registration of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA) hardly caused a ripple.
For the record, the MTA was de-registered by the Sports Commissioner's office on May 6 for hindering the development of the sport. Although the MTA took the matter to the High Court, the case was dismissed last Tuesday. The MTA, however, has stated that it would appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, some 500 exponents competed in four categories — the Open, Junior (14-17 years), Minor 1 (9-11 years) and Minor 2 (12-13 years), and there was little doubt where the most number of entries were in — the lower age groups.
And these exponents were accompanied by their parents and siblings, lending a wonderful 'Family Day' atmosphere at the Arena of Stars.
"We don't care about the politics in the MTA. As long as there are competitions and our children are not affected or victimised, we are happy," said one parent who declined to be named.
"Hence, we are grateful to the organisers (International Clubs Taekwondo Organisation) for organising this meet and bringing in foreigners to compete as well."
Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) coach K.M. Rajendran, who led his team to the Junior category title, said:
"We need more competitions that will expose our athletes to international exponents."
"The BJSS students, who are among the top juniors in the country, only competed against a foreign field twice this year, at the Selangor Open and here (International Clubs Championships). And this is hardly sufficient."
And that is what basically what the parents and coaches are clamouring for - more local competitions with an international flavour.
Sadly, for all the support and logistics at its disposal, there are only two championships which have international participation - this and the recent Selangor Open.
Which brings to fore the question - What are the rest, whether it is the MTA (before its de-registration), State taekwondo associations or other clubs doing?
Or is the national body and officials from the State only interested in overseas competitions so that they can tag along?
For that, ICTO, and sponsors LG Electronics, should be applauded for making this championships, a reality.
ROLL OF HONOUR — Overall Champions: Jordan (13-6-14); Minor 1 (9-11 years) Champion: Gemilang (3-2-3); Minor 2 (12-13 years) Champion: Jordan (6-1-4); Junior Champion: Bukit Jalil Sports School (7-2-3); Open Champion: Taiwan (4-0-0).
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Sunday, August 07, 2005
MALAYSIA: Azalina: Discard ‘territorial’ attitude
S. SELVAM
August 4:
THE "territorial attitude" ofseveral national sports associations is depriving the nation of its best athletes.
While enforcing the Sports Development Act 1997 is an option, Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said emphasised that it was up to national sports association officials themselves to initiate and implement changes to open their doors to more affiliates.
A more open affiliation system, as far as Azalina is concerned, will enable more people to take part in the decision-making processes for the benefit of all parties.
"I believe we should work on an inclusive basis, not on an exclusive basis," said Azalina in Putrajaya yesterday when asked whether long staying sport officials are depriving the younger generation of opportunities to lead an association or sport.
"If the members themselves don’t want to see changes taking place, there is very little that we can do.
"We can use the Sports Act, but this creates a lot of hostility from national associations.
"Sports is about selecting the best athletes. Meritocracy is about selecting the best.
"But as long as some national associations are territorial in their belief, we cannot select the best athletes to represent the country."
Citing silat as an example, Azalina said Pesaka (National Silat Federation) was to be lauded for accommodating the different factions in the sport when it comes to selecting the best athletes for the country.
"If they can do it (select athletes from different factions and schools), I don’t see why other sports cannot do the same," added Azalina in obvious reference to taekwondo.
In Malaysia, only those practising the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system are allowed to represent the country in multi sport Games sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) like Sea Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.
There are two other factions in Malaysia, Global Taekwondo Federation and Malaysian International Taekwondo Federation.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
August 4:
THE "territorial attitude" ofseveral national sports associations is depriving the nation of its best athletes.
While enforcing the Sports Development Act 1997 is an option, Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said emphasised that it was up to national sports association officials themselves to initiate and implement changes to open their doors to more affiliates.
A more open affiliation system, as far as Azalina is concerned, will enable more people to take part in the decision-making processes for the benefit of all parties.
"I believe we should work on an inclusive basis, not on an exclusive basis," said Azalina in Putrajaya yesterday when asked whether long staying sport officials are depriving the younger generation of opportunities to lead an association or sport.
"If the members themselves don’t want to see changes taking place, there is very little that we can do.
"We can use the Sports Act, but this creates a lot of hostility from national associations.
"Sports is about selecting the best athletes. Meritocracy is about selecting the best.
"But as long as some national associations are territorial in their belief, we cannot select the best athletes to represent the country."
Citing silat as an example, Azalina said Pesaka (National Silat Federation) was to be lauded for accommodating the different factions in the sport when it comes to selecting the best athletes for the country.
"If they can do it (select athletes from different factions and schools), I don’t see why other sports cannot do the same," added Azalina in obvious reference to taekwondo.
In Malaysia, only those practising the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system are allowed to represent the country in multi sport Games sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) like Sea Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.
There are two other factions in Malaysia, Global Taekwondo Federation and Malaysian International Taekwondo Federation.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Taekwondo: “Phew…”
JULY 09, 2005 03:06
by Hwan Soo Zang (zangpabo@donga.com)
The electronic vote that started at 12:01 p.m. was conducted in such a hurry. It took only 45 minutes. After the vote, IOC President Jacques Rogge approached the podium in the Raffles Ballroom at the Raffles Plaza Hotel in Singapore on July 8.
According to a reliable foreign source, all of the existing 28 summer sports were about to remain in the program. But baseball, the fourth, and softball, the 20th, were dropped. Taekwondo, the 21st, was the next on the list. World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) President Choue Chung-won, Korean Olympic Committee President Kim Jung-kil and other members in the Korean delegation could not relax because they were thinking, “Taekwondo, too, might be placed on the ‘out’ list…” When President Rogge uttered the word “included,” all Korean delegates cheered. That simple word ensured the future of Taekwondo, Korea’s national sport, as an Olympic sport.
At the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, which sports would remain and which would not were decided by a vote. Taekwondo gained more than half of the ballot’s votes and will be part of the official program of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Taekwondo has been chosen as an official sport four times in a row.
President Choue Chung-won commented on the result, showing his resolve, “Taekwondo is like a gift given to the world by Korea. That’s why we should keep it in the Olympic program. I will complete the reforms on Taekwondo not to worry Koreans about its elimination issue after four years from now.”
On the other hand, baseball was taken in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as an official sport, and softball was for the 1996 Atlanta Games. They are the first two sports to be excluded in 69 years since the expulsion of polo in 1936.
Each of the 28 summer sports had a separate vote, and the numbers of votes obtained were kept secret out of concerns that they might affect sponsorship and TV broadcasting contracts.
The IOC will convene a meeting for its executive commission in the evening to select two sports out of rugby, golf, karate, squash and roller sports. A candidate that receives more than two-thirds of the registered votes at the IOC General Assembly on July 9 will earn a ticket to the Olympic games. If the candidate again receives a majority vote, it will be adopted as an official sport in 2012.
Taekwondo remaining in the Olympic games could be due to the organized leadership of KOC President Kim Jung-kil after the power vacuum left behind former IOC Vice President Kim Un-yong. President Choue’s strong will to reform Taekwondo, as was shown for the last 13 months, also impressed the IOC, observers say.
Now the WTF has 179 member nations with 60million individuals learning Taekwondo all over the world. In terms of its support base, it is among the top 10 sports in the 28 summer Olympic sports. The expanded influence of Taekwondo played a role in the IOC’s decision.
As Taekwondo has remained in the Olympics for four successive times, President Choue is more likely to be elected an IOC member, just as International Judo Federation President and IOC member Park Yong-sung was, after the year 2009 when Choue will run for reelection.
Source from http://english.donga.com
by Hwan Soo Zang (zangpabo@donga.com)
The electronic vote that started at 12:01 p.m. was conducted in such a hurry. It took only 45 minutes. After the vote, IOC President Jacques Rogge approached the podium in the Raffles Ballroom at the Raffles Plaza Hotel in Singapore on July 8.
According to a reliable foreign source, all of the existing 28 summer sports were about to remain in the program. But baseball, the fourth, and softball, the 20th, were dropped. Taekwondo, the 21st, was the next on the list. World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) President Choue Chung-won, Korean Olympic Committee President Kim Jung-kil and other members in the Korean delegation could not relax because they were thinking, “Taekwondo, too, might be placed on the ‘out’ list…” When President Rogge uttered the word “included,” all Korean delegates cheered. That simple word ensured the future of Taekwondo, Korea’s national sport, as an Olympic sport. At the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, which sports would remain and which would not were decided by a vote. Taekwondo gained more than half of the ballot’s votes and will be part of the official program of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Taekwondo has been chosen as an official sport four times in a row.
President Choue Chung-won commented on the result, showing his resolve, “Taekwondo is like a gift given to the world by Korea. That’s why we should keep it in the Olympic program. I will complete the reforms on Taekwondo not to worry Koreans about its elimination issue after four years from now.”
On the other hand, baseball was taken in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as an official sport, and softball was for the 1996 Atlanta Games. They are the first two sports to be excluded in 69 years since the expulsion of polo in 1936.
Each of the 28 summer sports had a separate vote, and the numbers of votes obtained were kept secret out of concerns that they might affect sponsorship and TV broadcasting contracts.
The IOC will convene a meeting for its executive commission in the evening to select two sports out of rugby, golf, karate, squash and roller sports. A candidate that receives more than two-thirds of the registered votes at the IOC General Assembly on July 9 will earn a ticket to the Olympic games. If the candidate again receives a majority vote, it will be adopted as an official sport in 2012.
Taekwondo remaining in the Olympic games could be due to the organized leadership of KOC President Kim Jung-kil after the power vacuum left behind former IOC Vice President Kim Un-yong. President Choue’s strong will to reform Taekwondo, as was shown for the last 13 months, also impressed the IOC, observers say.
Now the WTF has 179 member nations with 60million individuals learning Taekwondo all over the world. In terms of its support base, it is among the top 10 sports in the 28 summer Olympic sports. The expanded influence of Taekwondo played a role in the IOC’s decision.
As Taekwondo has remained in the Olympics for four successive times, President Choue is more likely to be elected an IOC member, just as International Judo Federation President and IOC member Park Yong-sung was, after the year 2009 when Choue will run for reelection.
Source from http://english.donga.com
Taekwondo Still An Olympic Sport
Friday, July 08, 2005
Posted 1:38 pm ET (GamesBids.com)
The Korean martial art of taekwondo has remained an Olympic sport following a vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The number of votes at the IOC general assembly was not disclosed.
Choue Chung-won, President of the WTF, told the Yonhap News Agency, “we did our best and waited for a good result. As we did what we could have done, the news was what we had waited for. I felt some credit was recovered from the world’s taekwondo people after Kim Un-yong’s embezzlement and jail term”.
The sport has been criticized over incorrect referee judgements that frequently cause score disputes. It has also been accused of being unpopular and unsuitable for television.
A WTF official said, “a report on the reform of taekwondo submitted to the IOC last year may have made a good impression on IOC members. From now on we have no choice but to carry out the reforms as scheduled”.
Source from http://www.gamesbids.com
Posted 1:38 pm ET (GamesBids.com)
The Korean martial art of taekwondo has remained an Olympic sport following a vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The number of votes at the IOC general assembly was not disclosed.
Choue Chung-won, President of the WTF, told the Yonhap News Agency, “we did our best and waited for a good result. As we did what we could have done, the news was what we had waited for. I felt some credit was recovered from the world’s taekwondo people after Kim Un-yong’s embezzlement and jail term”.
The sport has been criticized over incorrect referee judgements that frequently cause score disputes. It has also been accused of being unpopular and unsuitable for television.
A WTF official said, “a report on the reform of taekwondo submitted to the IOC last year may have made a good impression on IOC members. From now on we have no choice but to carry out the reforms as scheduled”.
Source from http://www.gamesbids.com
MALAYSIA: Azalina may have to step in again
S. Selvam
July 7
THROUGH the timely intervention of Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, the National Junior Taekwondo Championships were saved in May.
Now, another tournament — the Selangor International Taekwondo Championships — need Azalina’s intervention if they are to be successfully organised at Uniten in Bangi this weekend.
The National Junior Championships were postponed at the 11th hour by the Terengganu Taekwondo Association, a situation which left many parents and athletes disappointed and in the lurch.
However, through Azalina’s intervention, the meet was organised as scheduled.
"Athletes from Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand are already here.
"However, we have been asked to provide a letter from the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) to sanction the tournament," said Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) secretary C.K. Karan yesterday.
"But we are not affiliated to the WTF and as such, we don’t correspond with them.
"And since the championships start on Saturday, we hope the Sports Commissioner’s office can give us the necessary approval."
Taekwondo’s governing body, under the WTF umbrella, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) was de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.
The MTA, however, has taken the matter to court.
However, according to the Sports Commissioner’s office, the power to approve the championships rests with the Sports Minister.
In fact Article 33 of the Sports Development Act, 1997 states that no person shall bid to host any international sports competition or event in Malaysia without the prior approval in writing of the minister whose decision thereon shall be final.
"The Sports Commissioner’s office has no objections as the championships are to foster goodwill and promote Selangor in particular and Malaysia in general as a tourist destination," said the official.
"In fact, I believe the tournament is part of the State Government’s programme for its ‘Selangor Maju’ campaign.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
July 7
THROUGH the timely intervention of Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, the National Junior Taekwondo Championships were saved in May.
Now, another tournament — the Selangor International Taekwondo Championships — need Azalina’s intervention if they are to be successfully organised at Uniten in Bangi this weekend.
The National Junior Championships were postponed at the 11th hour by the Terengganu Taekwondo Association, a situation which left many parents and athletes disappointed and in the lurch.
However, through Azalina’s intervention, the meet was organised as scheduled.
"Athletes from Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand are already here.
"However, we have been asked to provide a letter from the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) to sanction the tournament," said Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) secretary C.K. Karan yesterday.
"But we are not affiliated to the WTF and as such, we don’t correspond with them.
"And since the championships start on Saturday, we hope the Sports Commissioner’s office can give us the necessary approval."
Taekwondo’s governing body, under the WTF umbrella, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) was de-registered by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.
The MTA, however, has taken the matter to court.
However, according to the Sports Commissioner’s office, the power to approve the championships rests with the Sports Minister.
In fact Article 33 of the Sports Development Act, 1997 states that no person shall bid to host any international sports competition or event in Malaysia without the prior approval in writing of the minister whose decision thereon shall be final.
"The Sports Commissioner’s office has no objections as the championships are to foster goodwill and promote Selangor in particular and Malaysia in general as a tourist destination," said the official.
"In fact, I believe the tournament is part of the State Government’s programme for its ‘Selangor Maju’ campaign.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Roh joins fight to save taekwondo
Wednesday July 6, 2005
SEOUL: South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has written to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge requesting his support in keeping taekwondo as an Olympic event, Roh's office said yesterday.
In his letter, delivered on Monday by Korean Olympic Committee head Kim Jung-kil, Roh called for Rogge's “continuing support for developing Korean sports, including taekwondo,” the office said.
IOC members will vote on Friday on whether to retain taekwondo as an official event for the 2012 Olympics, during their annual session which opened yesterday in Singapore.
Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in 2000. But the Korean martial art has been challenged by Japanese martial art karate. – AFP
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
SEOUL: South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has written to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge requesting his support in keeping taekwondo as an Olympic event, Roh's office said yesterday.
In his letter, delivered on Monday by Korean Olympic Committee head Kim Jung-kil, Roh called for Rogge's “continuing support for developing Korean sports, including taekwondo,” the office said.
IOC members will vote on Friday on whether to retain taekwondo as an official event for the 2012 Olympics, during their annual session which opened yesterday in Singapore.
Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in 2000. But the Korean martial art has been challenged by Japanese martial art karate. – AFP
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Taekwondo’s Destiny to Be Decided July 8
JULY 05, 2005 02:28
by Hwan Soo Zang (zangpabo@donga.com)
Starting July 5, a conference that will affect the very existence of Korean sports will be held in Singapore and last for four days.
It’s because at the 117th general meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on July 5 in Singapore, the IOC is scheduled to vote on a number of issues, including the selection of a venue for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games on July 6, a vote on dismissing IOC members involved in a bribery scandal on July 7, and a vote on the exclusion of 28 Olympic events on July 8.
All of Korea’s attention is fixed on the last day as Taekwondo, a national sport, is scheduled to be voted on. The selection of a venue for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games is expected to play a critical role in the election hopes of Pyeongchang, which is bidding to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
Taekwondo’s Prospects-
World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) president Choue Chung-won said, “At present, Taekwondo is in neither an optimistic nor pessimistic situation,” and left Korea saying, “Do your best and God will do the rest” on July 1.
In fact, it was a commonly held view that Taekwondo, which was an official event for three consecutive Olympic Games from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, was relatively safe until a few months ago.
However, with the impending vote, the theory of careful movement is prevalent. Last month, the IOC pointed out in its evaluation report that Taekwondo has a low chance of getting attention in the media with low TV ratings, low popularity, and a problem in fairness of judgment.
Every public opinion poll on possible events for exclusion conducted worldwide contained Taekwondo.
Karate’s aggressive lobbying is also an eyesore. The voluntary resignation from the vice-president post of Kim Un-yong, who was released on parole on June 30, developed as a three-party deal between Cheong Wa Dae, and IOC president Jacques Rogge, which deteriorated public opinion in international sports circles.
However, Taekwondo drew a positive evaluation from the IOC by submitting a blueprint to improve the above three problems in a report from its reform committee, and is putting its hope not on an individual’s ability, but on its omni directional sports diplomacy that it displayed “post Kim Un-yong.”
The Vote for Exclusion-
If a majority of 59 votes is achieved in secret electronic voting out of a total of 116 IOC members, Taekwondo will be selected as an official event of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The result only decides pros and cons, and the polling process is not open to the public in principle.
In addition to Taekwondo, Korea also should pay close attention whether or not archery, Korea’s main source of gold medals, and baseball will be excluded from event categories.
Candidate events to be included into the Olympic Games are golf, rugby, squash, karate, and roller sports.
Selection of Venue for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games-
With Paris ahead of the other cities, London, New York, Madrid, and Moscow are also candidates to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
For Pyeongchang, it would be more favorable if a European city was selected.
A strong competitor of Pyeongchang is Salzburg of Austria, and it is highly likely that votes will flow to Pyeongchang in accordance with the unwritten law of letting each continent (Europe, America, Asia) hold the Olympic Games in turn if a European city is selected to host the 2012 summer games.
Source from http://english.donga.com/
Sunday, July 03, 2005
MALAYSIA: Elyas endorses MTCA and clubs
S. Selvam
July 2:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Clubs Association (MTCA), the first national body to bring all taekwondo clubs under the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system under one body, has been approved by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
In fact, Elyas and his officers have also approved the application of 21 taekwondo clubs that sought registration with the Commissioner's office following Elyas' advice to do so on Feb 16.
"We have approved the MTCA and also 21 other taekwondo clubs. However, we have approved the applications based on an interim constitution and all the clubs and MTCA have six months to come up with a new and comprehensive constitution," said Elyas yesterday.
"The constitution for the MTCA, for instance, was drafted by seven or eight members, and once they have more members, it (constitution) may not reflect what the members want.
"As for the clubs, there are some errors in their constitution as well. Which is why, we have approved the applications based on an interim constitution."
The MTCA and clubs have six months to formulate their final constitution.
Taekwondo's (WTF-style) governing body in Malaysia, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), was de-registered on May 6. The association, however, has taken the matter to the court.
Two weeks ago, the pro-tem committee of the MTCA, led by its president Chee Hock Choong appealed to Elyas to expedite the association's application.
Elyas, however, clarified that all that stood in the way of approving the MTCA application was an interim constitution which was subsequently provided by MTCA.
In the Feb 16 dialogue, Elyas proposed five models of governance to the de-registered MTA and its members, including forming a governing body for clubs, all of which granted clubs voting rights and direct affiliation to the national body.
And with even the Malaysian AAU (MAAU), the governing body for athletics in the country, looking at opening their affiliation and voting rights to a national body of clubs, Elyas' approval of the MTCA could well see a new chapter in Malaysian sports.
The Malaysian sports scene is traditionally a State-Federal system but with many State affiliates merely making up the numbers only, there have been calls for national bodies to open their affiliation to national organisations like Police, National Banks Sports Council, Prisons and a National Association of Clubs for that particular sport.
"We (Sports Commissioner's office) will organise a seminar in five months for these clubs and MTCA to present and discuss two or three models of standard constitution," added Elyas.
"In the meantime, these clubs and MTCA also can garner feedback from their members for a better constitution. After all these, they should have their respective AGMs (annual general meeting) to finalise their constitution."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
July 2:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Clubs Association (MTCA), the first national body to bring all taekwondo clubs under the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system under one body, has been approved by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
In fact, Elyas and his officers have also approved the application of 21 taekwondo clubs that sought registration with the Commissioner's office following Elyas' advice to do so on Feb 16.
"We have approved the MTCA and also 21 other taekwondo clubs. However, we have approved the applications based on an interim constitution and all the clubs and MTCA have six months to come up with a new and comprehensive constitution," said Elyas yesterday.
"The constitution for the MTCA, for instance, was drafted by seven or eight members, and once they have more members, it (constitution) may not reflect what the members want.
"As for the clubs, there are some errors in their constitution as well. Which is why, we have approved the applications based on an interim constitution."
The MTCA and clubs have six months to formulate their final constitution.
Taekwondo's (WTF-style) governing body in Malaysia, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), was de-registered on May 6. The association, however, has taken the matter to the court.
Two weeks ago, the pro-tem committee of the MTCA, led by its president Chee Hock Choong appealed to Elyas to expedite the association's application.
Elyas, however, clarified that all that stood in the way of approving the MTCA application was an interim constitution which was subsequently provided by MTCA.
In the Feb 16 dialogue, Elyas proposed five models of governance to the de-registered MTA and its members, including forming a governing body for clubs, all of which granted clubs voting rights and direct affiliation to the national body.
And with even the Malaysian AAU (MAAU), the governing body for athletics in the country, looking at opening their affiliation and voting rights to a national body of clubs, Elyas' approval of the MTCA could well see a new chapter in Malaysian sports.
The Malaysian sports scene is traditionally a State-Federal system but with many State affiliates merely making up the numbers only, there have been calls for national bodies to open their affiliation to national organisations like Police, National Banks Sports Council, Prisons and a National Association of Clubs for that particular sport.
"We (Sports Commissioner's office) will organise a seminar in five months for these clubs and MTCA to present and discuss two or three models of standard constitution," added Elyas.
"In the meantime, these clubs and MTCA also can garner feedback from their members for a better constitution. After all these, they should have their respective AGMs (annual general meeting) to finalise their constitution."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
South Korea’s disgraced sports czar Un-yong released from jail
Friday July 1, 2005
SEOUL: Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice president Kim Un-yong (pic) was released from prison yesterday after serving only part of his two-year prison term for corruption.
Un-yong, 74, whose right eye was bandaged, made no comment to journalists as he left the detention centre in the southern suburbs of the capital.
One of the world's most powerful sports officials and one of the key IOC members until his dramatic fall from grace, Un-yong was originally sentenced to two and a half years in prison by a South Korean court in June last year.
He was convicted of embezzling 3.3 billion won (US$3.26mil) from sports bodies, including the World Taekwondo Federation which he had founded, and accepting 780 million won in bribes from business contacts.
Un-yong, a former South Korean National Assembly member and the highest IOC member to be jailed for corruption, has insisted he was wrongly convicted and jailed.
He was released in October to pursue an appeal which ended in defeat at South Korea's Supreme Court, which upheld his conviction in January but approved a lower court decision to reduce his jail term to two years.
Un-yong resigned as IOC vice president in May after IOC president Jacques Rogge informed him by letter that the IOC's executive body would recommend his expulsion at the IOC's 117th session in Singapore in July.
He is among some 700 prisoners who were released on parole yesterday, the justice ministry said.
“The ministry decided to release Un-yong under its regulations in which inmates are eligible for parole after serving one third of their prison sentence,” ministry official Chung Yoo-Chul said prior to Un-yong's release.
“In releasing him, we took into consideration that he will not be involved in criminal activity again.”
Un-yong played a key role in winning South Korea the right to host the 1988 Olympics and helped taekwondo become a medal sport in the 2000 Olympics.
His career as a sports administrator spans more than three decades after he rose to prominence in 1971 when he was named as head of South Korea's taekwondo association. He was co-opted to the IOC in 1986.
Un-yong was severely admonished over the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City bribery scandal that saw 10 IOC members ousted for corruption. – AFP
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Taekwondo may lose place in the Olympics
Thursday June 30, 2005
SEOUL: The high-kicking martial art taekwondo may lose its place in the international spotlight if it is it given the boot from the Olympics.
Taekwondo, baseball, softball and modern pentathlon are considered the sports most threatened with elimination from the Olympics in 2012 when the International Olympic Committee have a meeting in July in Singapore.
The president of the World Taekwondo Federation said he has mounted a big international campaign to win supporters for the martial art, while reforming the sport to make its judging easier to understand and its action more viewer friendly.
“It was time for us to change,” Choue Chung-won told foreign correspondents on Tuesday. “Our main goal has been transparency for our sport.”
Choue is looking to introduce electronics into the protectors taekwondo athletes wear during matches, which will indicate when they have been struck by a blow. This is aimed at clearing up questions of judging.
More points will be given for athletes who can deliver effective blows through difficult techniques. The time of the match has been shortened and the area of competition decreased in the hopes of increasing action.
Working against taekwondo, an Olympic sport since 2000, are the lack of media attention and its low television ratings.
There have also been charges of judging bias and the sport has also been tainted by its link to Kim Un-yong, a former IOC vice president who was jailed for corruption.
The IOC will hold a sport-by-sport secret ballot to determine which of its 28 sports to eliminate to cut down on the size of the summer Olympics. A sport must receive 50% support from the expected 115 IOC members to be retained.
Golf, karate, roller sports, seven-a-side rugby and squash are on an official waiting list to replace dropped sports. – Reuters
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
SEOUL: The high-kicking martial art taekwondo may lose its place in the international spotlight if it is it given the boot from the Olympics.
Taekwondo, baseball, softball and modern pentathlon are considered the sports most threatened with elimination from the Olympics in 2012 when the International Olympic Committee have a meeting in July in Singapore.
The president of the World Taekwondo Federation said he has mounted a big international campaign to win supporters for the martial art, while reforming the sport to make its judging easier to understand and its action more viewer friendly.
“It was time for us to change,” Choue Chung-won told foreign correspondents on Tuesday. “Our main goal has been transparency for our sport.”
Choue is looking to introduce electronics into the protectors taekwondo athletes wear during matches, which will indicate when they have been struck by a blow. This is aimed at clearing up questions of judging.
More points will be given for athletes who can deliver effective blows through difficult techniques. The time of the match has been shortened and the area of competition decreased in the hopes of increasing action.
Working against taekwondo, an Olympic sport since 2000, are the lack of media attention and its low television ratings.
There have also been charges of judging bias and the sport has also been tainted by its link to Kim Un-yong, a former IOC vice president who was jailed for corruption.
The IOC will hold a sport-by-sport secret ballot to determine which of its 28 sports to eliminate to cut down on the size of the summer Olympics. A sport must receive 50% support from the expected 115 IOC members to be retained.
Golf, karate, roller sports, seven-a-side rugby and squash are on an official waiting list to replace dropped sports. – Reuters
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Friday, June 24, 2005
MALAYSIA: Azalina: Accept different factions
S. Selvam
June 22:
NATIONAL interest must be the priority and sports that have several national associations should come under one umbrella body in order to select the best athletes to represent the country.
In fact, Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said believes more associations should emulate the governance practised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) and Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf), who recognise different factions as affiliates.
"As far as we (Sports Ministry) are concerned, national interest must come first. And this means we need the best athletes to represent the country," said Azalina after her official visit to the national bodybuilding squad at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"But this would only be possible if the selection is open to all, irrespective of which faction or association they come from."
Pesaka, the umbrella body for silat, has 386 associations affiliated to it with an estimated membership of three million.
Although there are different forms of silat, they all come under Pesaka.
Makaf, while recognising State associations, also have different factions like Hayashi-Ha, Goshin-Ryu and several others as affiliates.
But in the case of taekwondo, there are three governing bodies — the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (who have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner’s office on May 6), Malaysian International Taekwondo Federation and Global Taekwondo Federation.
However, only MTA exponents are eligible to be selected for multi-sport Games like the Sea Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. "This is merely my advice to the respective associations as I believe Malaysia should be represented by the best," added Azalina.
"After all, what is there to be afraid of. If you are good, you are good.
"And if the governing body can organise championships for all of them (factions), it would make it easier for us to fund them as well."
In recognising Pesaka’s and Makaf’s initiatives and track record, Azalina has given the two associations free office space at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil as part of the ministry’s programme to house all national sports associations, especially those who don’t have offices or the funds to have one, under one roof.
"If Pesaka and Makaf can do it, I believe it is an idea worth considering," said Azalina.
"But it is up to the associations to decide."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
June 22:
NATIONAL interest must be the priority and sports that have several national associations should come under one umbrella body in order to select the best athletes to represent the country.
In fact, Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said believes more associations should emulate the governance practised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) and Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf), who recognise different factions as affiliates.
"As far as we (Sports Ministry) are concerned, national interest must come first. And this means we need the best athletes to represent the country," said Azalina after her official visit to the national bodybuilding squad at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"But this would only be possible if the selection is open to all, irrespective of which faction or association they come from."
Pesaka, the umbrella body for silat, has 386 associations affiliated to it with an estimated membership of three million.
Although there are different forms of silat, they all come under Pesaka.
Makaf, while recognising State associations, also have different factions like Hayashi-Ha, Goshin-Ryu and several others as affiliates.
But in the case of taekwondo, there are three governing bodies — the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (who have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner’s office on May 6), Malaysian International Taekwondo Federation and Global Taekwondo Federation.
However, only MTA exponents are eligible to be selected for multi-sport Games like the Sea Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. "This is merely my advice to the respective associations as I believe Malaysia should be represented by the best," added Azalina.
"After all, what is there to be afraid of. If you are good, you are good.
"And if the governing body can organise championships for all of them (factions), it would make it easier for us to fund them as well."
In recognising Pesaka’s and Makaf’s initiatives and track record, Azalina has given the two associations free office space at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil as part of the ministry’s programme to house all national sports associations, especially those who don’t have offices or the funds to have one, under one roof.
"If Pesaka and Makaf can do it, I believe it is an idea worth considering," said Azalina.
"But it is up to the associations to decide."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Saturday, June 18, 2005
MALAYSIA: MTA shut down
S. Selvam
June 18:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) is no longer recognised as the governing body for taekwondo in the country by the Sports Commissioner’s office.
The association failed to appeal its revocation within the 30-day appeal period, following its de-registration by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.
It is the first time a national body has been de-registered since the introduction of the Sports Development Act, 1997
The MTA, an affiliate of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), practises WTF-style taekwondo, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"The MTA, whose registration was revoked on May 6, did not appeal in accordance with Section 21 of the Sports Development Act. Since the 30-day period for such an appeal has lapsed with effect from June 6, the revocation of MTA’s registration is hereby confirmed," said Elyas in a statement.
"Following its de-registration, this organisation is governed by Section 25 of the Sports Act, which means that its former officers are prohibited from engaging themselves in any of the activities mentioned therein, including organising committees or conducting meetings in connection with such activities."
Section 25(1) of the Sports Act states that a sports body (which is not registered) cannot continue to receive financial assistance from the Government, National Sports Council (NSC) or any other statutory bodies.
And Section 25(1c) states that such sports body shall not be a member of any body or organisation acting as or purporting to act as the governing body of any sport in Malaysia or represent or purport to represent the participants of any sport in Malaysia.
Section 25(1d) and 25(1e) further states such sports body shall not use the phrase "of Malaysia" for any of its activities and such sports body shall not organise, participate in or send participants to any sports competition or event manifesting that such undertaking by it is for, in the name of or on behalf of, Malaysia or any part of Malaysia, within or outside Malaysia.
Elyas also warned that anyone found guilty of breaching any of the provisions in the Act shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a fine not exceeding RM500 per day for each day of the offence.
"They are also liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both in accordance with Section 39 of the Act." said Elyas.
"State taekwondo associations are also advised to disassociate themselves from the de-registered body and not to collaborate or co-operate with or support the body concerned in any way directly or indirectly, failing which they will run risk of having their registration suspended or revoked.
"Other sports bodies are likewise advised and should not allow themselves to be drawn into a situation by the de-registered body or its office bearers or agents that can be construed as collaborating or cooperating with or supporting the body in question in contravention of the Sports Act."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
June 18:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) is no longer recognised as the governing body for taekwondo in the country by the Sports Commissioner’s office.
The association failed to appeal its revocation within the 30-day appeal period, following its de-registration by Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar on May 6.
It is the first time a national body has been de-registered since the introduction of the Sports Development Act, 1997
The MTA, an affiliate of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), practises WTF-style taekwondo, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"The MTA, whose registration was revoked on May 6, did not appeal in accordance with Section 21 of the Sports Development Act. Since the 30-day period for such an appeal has lapsed with effect from June 6, the revocation of MTA’s registration is hereby confirmed," said Elyas in a statement.
"Following its de-registration, this organisation is governed by Section 25 of the Sports Act, which means that its former officers are prohibited from engaging themselves in any of the activities mentioned therein, including organising committees or conducting meetings in connection with such activities."
Section 25(1) of the Sports Act states that a sports body (which is not registered) cannot continue to receive financial assistance from the Government, National Sports Council (NSC) or any other statutory bodies.
And Section 25(1c) states that such sports body shall not be a member of any body or organisation acting as or purporting to act as the governing body of any sport in Malaysia or represent or purport to represent the participants of any sport in Malaysia.
Section 25(1d) and 25(1e) further states such sports body shall not use the phrase "of Malaysia" for any of its activities and such sports body shall not organise, participate in or send participants to any sports competition or event manifesting that such undertaking by it is for, in the name of or on behalf of, Malaysia or any part of Malaysia, within or outside Malaysia.
Elyas also warned that anyone found guilty of breaching any of the provisions in the Act shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a fine not exceeding RM500 per day for each day of the offence.
"They are also liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both in accordance with Section 39 of the Act." said Elyas.
"State taekwondo associations are also advised to disassociate themselves from the de-registered body and not to collaborate or co-operate with or support the body concerned in any way directly or indirectly, failing which they will run risk of having their registration suspended or revoked.
"Other sports bodies are likewise advised and should not allow themselves to be drawn into a situation by the de-registered body or its office bearers or agents that can be construed as collaborating or cooperating with or supporting the body in question in contravention of the Sports Act."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Sports Commissioner Isolates Former MTA Office-Bearers
June 17, 2005 20:58 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Sports Commissioner Friday warned former office-bearers of the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) to stay away from the sport, and moved to isolate them from the state bodies and other sports associations.
Tan Sri Elyas Omar said all the office-bearers were barred from taking part in any activity concerning the sport or forming any committee related to the activity following the de-registration of the national body which became effective on June 6.
He said in a statement Friday that anyone violating the prohibition could be fined or jailed.
The Sports Development Act 1997 provides for a RM5,000 fine plus RM500 for each day that the offence persisted or six months jail or both.
Elyas advised state taekwondo associations to distance themselves from MTA as they were prohibited from assisting, cooperating with or giving support to the national body.
State bodies that disobeyed the directive could be suspended or de-registered as well, he added.
He also asked other sports bodies not to allow their officials or agents to involve themselves in situations that could be construed as providing collaboration, cooperation or support to MTA.
MTA was de-registered on May 6 by the Sports Commissioner who accused it of obstructing the development of sports in the country.
It had 30 days to file an appeal to the Youth and Sports Minister but the deadline passed without any being submitted.
-- BERNAMA
Source from http://www.bernama.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Sports Commissioner Friday warned former office-bearers of the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) to stay away from the sport, and moved to isolate them from the state bodies and other sports associations.
Tan Sri Elyas Omar said all the office-bearers were barred from taking part in any activity concerning the sport or forming any committee related to the activity following the de-registration of the national body which became effective on June 6.
He said in a statement Friday that anyone violating the prohibition could be fined or jailed.
The Sports Development Act 1997 provides for a RM5,000 fine plus RM500 for each day that the offence persisted or six months jail or both.
Elyas advised state taekwondo associations to distance themselves from MTA as they were prohibited from assisting, cooperating with or giving support to the national body.
State bodies that disobeyed the directive could be suspended or de-registered as well, he added.
He also asked other sports bodies not to allow their officials or agents to involve themselves in situations that could be construed as providing collaboration, cooperation or support to MTA.
MTA was de-registered on May 6 by the Sports Commissioner who accused it of obstructing the development of sports in the country.
It had 30 days to file an appeal to the Youth and Sports Minister but the deadline passed without any being submitted.
-- BERNAMA
Source from http://www.bernama.com.my
Taekwondo Reform Picks Up Momentum
17 Jun 2005
By Cho Jin-seo
Staff Reporter
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is speeding up its ongoing reform drive as part of efforts to maintain the Korean martial art as an Olympic sport. The sport's fate will be determined early next month at the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s 117th Session in Singapore.
The federation will hold an ad-hoc committee to review the introduction of electronic protectors on July 20 in Seoul. Several international companies, such as LsJust of Korea, ATM of Austria and Globility-Management of Germany, will participate in demonstrations of their products designed to help ensure objectiveness and fairness in taekwondo competitions.
``We aim to apply the new scoring system using electronic sensors to the taekwondo competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,'' WTF President Choue Chung-won told The Korea Times on Thursday.
The IOC will conduct an unprecedented secret vote on July 8 in Singapore to decide the fate of 28 sports. If a sport does not obtain more than 50 percent of the votes from 117 members, it will lose its spot in the Olympics from the 2012 games, and five other sports _ golf, karate, roller sports, seven-man rugby and squash _ will compete to be their replacements.
In an evaluation report on all 28 Olympic sports released Monday, the IOC stressed that it is essential for the WTF to ``ensure that the scoring system is well understood by the public and both the selection and impartiality of referees are unquestionable.'' Presently, judges visually determine whether a contestant's kick has stuck the opponent.
In a bid to improve the credibility of the judging system, the WTF has decided to increase the number of judges from three to four starting in this year's World Taekwondo Championships.
Hoping to make the sport more interesting and action-packed, the WTF introduced three two-minute rounds from the previous three minutes at the 2005 World Taekwondo Championships in Madrid, Spain. An extra ``sudden death round,'' in which the first player to score a point wins the match, is used in the case of a draw in regulation, unlike the old system of using a judge's decision.
Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games. It is already confirmed for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Currently, eight taekwondo events are included in the Olympic games, four each for men and women.
Taekwondo has a worldwide following of about 60 million practitioners and its world governing body, the WTF, has a global membership of 179 national associations. ``Taekwondo's other educational and humanitarian values are recognized and accepted around the world,'' according to Choue.
In a recent evaluation report, the IOC said about 99 percent of taekwondo tickets were sold at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, ranking third in ticket sales among the 28 Olympic sports.
(Story from the Korea Times published on June 17, 2005)
Source from http://www.wtf.org
By Cho Jin-seo
Staff Reporter
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is speeding up its ongoing reform drive as part of efforts to maintain the Korean martial art as an Olympic sport. The sport's fate will be determined early next month at the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s 117th Session in Singapore.
The federation will hold an ad-hoc committee to review the introduction of electronic protectors on July 20 in Seoul. Several international companies, such as LsJust of Korea, ATM of Austria and Globility-Management of Germany, will participate in demonstrations of their products designed to help ensure objectiveness and fairness in taekwondo competitions.
``We aim to apply the new scoring system using electronic sensors to the taekwondo competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,'' WTF President Choue Chung-won told The Korea Times on Thursday.
The IOC will conduct an unprecedented secret vote on July 8 in Singapore to decide the fate of 28 sports. If a sport does not obtain more than 50 percent of the votes from 117 members, it will lose its spot in the Olympics from the 2012 games, and five other sports _ golf, karate, roller sports, seven-man rugby and squash _ will compete to be their replacements.
In an evaluation report on all 28 Olympic sports released Monday, the IOC stressed that it is essential for the WTF to ``ensure that the scoring system is well understood by the public and both the selection and impartiality of referees are unquestionable.'' Presently, judges visually determine whether a contestant's kick has stuck the opponent.
In a bid to improve the credibility of the judging system, the WTF has decided to increase the number of judges from three to four starting in this year's World Taekwondo Championships.
Hoping to make the sport more interesting and action-packed, the WTF introduced three two-minute rounds from the previous three minutes at the 2005 World Taekwondo Championships in Madrid, Spain. An extra ``sudden death round,'' in which the first player to score a point wins the match, is used in the case of a draw in regulation, unlike the old system of using a judge's decision.
Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games. It is already confirmed for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Currently, eight taekwondo events are included in the Olympic games, four each for men and women.
Taekwondo has a worldwide following of about 60 million practitioners and its world governing body, the WTF, has a global membership of 179 national associations. ``Taekwondo's other educational and humanitarian values are recognized and accepted around the world,'' according to Choue.
In a recent evaluation report, the IOC said about 99 percent of taekwondo tickets were sold at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, ranking third in ticket sales among the 28 Olympic sports.
(Story from the Korea Times published on June 17, 2005)
Source from http://www.wtf.org
Friday, June 17, 2005
MALAYSIA: Speed it up Sports Commissioner
S. Selvam
June 17:
THE pro-tem committee of the Malaysian Taekwondo Clubs Association (MTCA), an umbrella body for taekwondo clubs, has appealed to Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar to expedite their application in order for them to play an effective role in developing the sport in the country.
"Since there is no governing body for taekwondo in the country at this point in time, we have no choice but to form our own association to help the clubs," said pro-tem committee president Chee Hock Choong at a Press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system, was de-registered by Elyas on May 6.
Only WTF-sanctioned competitions are recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The association was given 30 days to appeal the revocation, which ended on June 6, but it has not exercised that option.
MTA has taken the issue to court.
"We have forwarded our application to the Sports Commissioner’s office and hope that Tan Sri Elyas will be able to approve the application as soon as possible.
"There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the sport and we hope, if approval is given, MTCA can do its part to promote and develop the sport.
According to Hock Choong, the MTCA was the result of a discussion among 30 associate members (clubs) of the de-registered MTA.
MTCA secretary Sonny Lee also clarified that the decision to form a national association of clubs was in line with Elyas’ proposal to the MTA in a dialogue on Feb 16.
In the dialogue, Elyas proposed five models of governance, including forming a governing body for clubs, all of which granted clubs voting rights and direct affiliation to the national body.
"Tan Sri Elyas’ Model 4a referred to a national body for clubs and we are merely following his proposal," said Lee.
"The MTCA is open to any club or organisation that is practising taekwondo under the WTF-system.
"However, any club or organisation that wants to be affiliated to us must be registered with the Sports Commissioner’s office first."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
June 17:
THE pro-tem committee of the Malaysian Taekwondo Clubs Association (MTCA), an umbrella body for taekwondo clubs, has appealed to Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar to expedite their application in order for them to play an effective role in developing the sport in the country.
"Since there is no governing body for taekwondo in the country at this point in time, we have no choice but to form our own association to help the clubs," said pro-tem committee president Chee Hock Choong at a Press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) system, was de-registered by Elyas on May 6.
Only WTF-sanctioned competitions are recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The association was given 30 days to appeal the revocation, which ended on June 6, but it has not exercised that option.
MTA has taken the issue to court.
"We have forwarded our application to the Sports Commissioner’s office and hope that Tan Sri Elyas will be able to approve the application as soon as possible.
"There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the sport and we hope, if approval is given, MTCA can do its part to promote and develop the sport.
According to Hock Choong, the MTCA was the result of a discussion among 30 associate members (clubs) of the de-registered MTA.
MTCA secretary Sonny Lee also clarified that the decision to form a national association of clubs was in line with Elyas’ proposal to the MTA in a dialogue on Feb 16.
In the dialogue, Elyas proposed five models of governance, including forming a governing body for clubs, all of which granted clubs voting rights and direct affiliation to the national body.
"Tan Sri Elyas’ Model 4a referred to a national body for clubs and we are merely following his proposal," said Lee.
"The MTCA is open to any club or organisation that is practising taekwondo under the WTF-system.
"However, any club or organisation that wants to be affiliated to us must be registered with the Sports Commissioner’s office first."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Thursday, June 16, 2005
IOC President, leaders of 2 global taekwondo bodies meet in Lausanne
04 Jun 2005
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (June 3, 2005) - Dr. Chungwon Choue, president of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), and Mr. Ung Chang, the North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and president of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), met at the IOC headquarters here today to exchange opinions on how to develop taekwondo.
Dr. Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, also attended the meeting. It was the third meeting for Choue and Chang, after two rounds of talks during the Athens Olympics Games in August 2004.
Both parties shared the view that there is a long way to go before full-pledged integration between the WTF and the ITF is possible; nonetheless, they stressed the importance of continued dialogue between the two global taekwondo bodies.
Prior to full-fledged WTF-ITF talks for possible taekwondo intergration, Choue and Chang shared the view that technical and administrative matters should be thoroughly and cautiously discussed over time, given the two taekwondo bodies’ differences in poomsae and competition rules.
In regard to technical and administrative matters, as well as other fundamental matters related to the possible integration of the two taekwondo bodies, Choue proposed creating a working committee comprising representatives from the WTF and the ITF. President Rogge pledged his full support for the idea.
Choue said that he would call an Executive Council Meeting of the WTF as early as possible for final decision of the concerned issues, including the proposed formation of the working committee.
Rogge expressed his strong support for the ongoing dialogue for the development of the WTF and the ITF.
***
For more information, please contact Mr. Seok-Jae Kang, director of the WTF Public Relations Division at +82-11-773-0241 (Mobile).
Source from http://www.wtf.org
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (June 3, 2005) - Dr. Chungwon Choue, president of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), and Mr. Ung Chang, the North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and president of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), met at the IOC headquarters here today to exchange opinions on how to develop taekwondo.
Dr. Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, also attended the meeting. It was the third meeting for Choue and Chang, after two rounds of talks during the Athens Olympics Games in August 2004.
Both parties shared the view that there is a long way to go before full-pledged integration between the WTF and the ITF is possible; nonetheless, they stressed the importance of continued dialogue between the two global taekwondo bodies.
Prior to full-fledged WTF-ITF talks for possible taekwondo intergration, Choue and Chang shared the view that technical and administrative matters should be thoroughly and cautiously discussed over time, given the two taekwondo bodies’ differences in poomsae and competition rules.
In regard to technical and administrative matters, as well as other fundamental matters related to the possible integration of the two taekwondo bodies, Choue proposed creating a working committee comprising representatives from the WTF and the ITF. President Rogge pledged his full support for the idea.
Choue said that he would call an Executive Council Meeting of the WTF as early as possible for final decision of the concerned issues, including the proposed formation of the working committee.
Rogge expressed his strong support for the ongoing dialogue for the development of the WTF and the ITF.
***
For more information, please contact Mr. Seok-Jae Kang, director of the WTF Public Relations Division at +82-11-773-0241 (Mobile).
Source from http://www.wtf.org
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
MALAYSIA: Still no appeal letter from MTA, says Azalina
BY AFTAR SINGH
Saturday June 11, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), who were de-registered on May 6, had been given one month to appeal. But they have failed to appeal to the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said said she had not received any appeal letter from the MTA until yesterday.
She said the Sports Commissioner would make an official announcement soon about the status of the association.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar had de-registered the association saying the national body for taekwondo had become a “hindrance” to the development of the sport in the country.
MTA were given 30 days from May 6 to appeal. However, MTA have taken the matter to court and the hearing will be held on July 14.
Meanwhile, Azalina yesterday launched of the Larian Kecergasan-NFC (National Fitness Council)- Bata, which will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil.
The 2.6km run is open to all from the age of seven to 60 and will be divided into 10 categories. The top 15 finishers in each category will receive Bata shoes and T-shirts.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Saturday June 11, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), who were de-registered on May 6, had been given one month to appeal. But they have failed to appeal to the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said said she had not received any appeal letter from the MTA until yesterday.
She said the Sports Commissioner would make an official announcement soon about the status of the association.
Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar had de-registered the association saying the national body for taekwondo had become a “hindrance” to the development of the sport in the country.
MTA were given 30 days from May 6 to appeal. However, MTA have taken the matter to court and the hearing will be held on July 14.
Meanwhile, Azalina yesterday launched of the Larian Kecergasan-NFC (National Fitness Council)- Bata, which will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil.
The 2.6km run is open to all from the age of seven to 60 and will be divided into 10 categories. The top 15 finishers in each category will receive Bata shoes and T-shirts.
Source from http://www.thestar.com.my
Saturday, May 21, 2005
MALAYSIA: MAIL@TIMESPORT: Elyas’ argument on MTA unfounded
May 21
WE refer to the Press report "Elyas warns MTA of further action" dated May 20th, 2005 by reporter K.M. Boopathy.
The report by Tan Sri Elyas Omar if true, is grossly misleading on point of law. After having been advised by our lawyer Dato’ M.S. Murthi, we find Elyas’ argument on the operations of the provisions of the Sports Development Act 1997 ("SDA 1997") is rather unfounded.
The Sports Commissioner is quoted as saying "What MTA? The MTA were de-registered on May 6, and as such, according to the Sports Act, which is an Act of Parliament, don’t exist anymore."
He was also quoted as saying "But even then, for the Minister to do that, the de-registered body must appeal first."
It appears from the reporting that, on one hand the Sports Commissioner states that the MTA no longer exist BUT on the other hand, he states that MTA is given 30 days to appeal. Following this obvious questions one would ask is:
1. How can MTA appeal if it doesn’t exist?
2. Who else could lodge an appeal to the Minister in accordance with Section 22 of SDA 1997 other than the MTA office bearers?
Further, if one were to follow the Sports Commissioner’s statements as reported, if the MTA office bearers do appeal to the Minister, then the office bearers would be seriously violating the SDA 1997 and be punishable under section 25 (2) of SDA 1997.
One would be placed in a dilemma if one goes by the above statements and interpretation of the SDA 1997 by the Sports Commissioner as reported.
We have sought legal advice and our actions are only in accordance with the law. Further MTA would only take all necessary actions that its members deem fit in defending MTA.
Thank you.
Chin Mee Keong
Chairman
Malaysian Taekwondo Association
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
WE refer to the Press report "Elyas warns MTA of further action" dated May 20th, 2005 by reporter K.M. Boopathy.
The report by Tan Sri Elyas Omar if true, is grossly misleading on point of law. After having been advised by our lawyer Dato’ M.S. Murthi, we find Elyas’ argument on the operations of the provisions of the Sports Development Act 1997 ("SDA 1997") is rather unfounded.
The Sports Commissioner is quoted as saying "What MTA? The MTA were de-registered on May 6, and as such, according to the Sports Act, which is an Act of Parliament, don’t exist anymore."
He was also quoted as saying "But even then, for the Minister to do that, the de-registered body must appeal first."
It appears from the reporting that, on one hand the Sports Commissioner states that the MTA no longer exist BUT on the other hand, he states that MTA is given 30 days to appeal. Following this obvious questions one would ask is:
1. How can MTA appeal if it doesn’t exist?
2. Who else could lodge an appeal to the Minister in accordance with Section 22 of SDA 1997 other than the MTA office bearers?
Further, if one were to follow the Sports Commissioner’s statements as reported, if the MTA office bearers do appeal to the Minister, then the office bearers would be seriously violating the SDA 1997 and be punishable under section 25 (2) of SDA 1997.
One would be placed in a dilemma if one goes by the above statements and interpretation of the SDA 1997 by the Sports Commissioner as reported.
We have sought legal advice and our actions are only in accordance with the law. Further MTA would only take all necessary actions that its members deem fit in defending MTA.
Thank you.
Chin Mee Keong
Chairman
Malaysian Taekwondo Association
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA; Clubs refute Ho’s claims
May 20
THE six executive council members in the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) cannot claim to be representatives of the clubs or associate members.
The six, said one associate member, were elected by the States. In fact, four of the six are from the same club.
As such, said the member, the claim by MTA president Ho Kam Phaw in a Press conference on Wednesday that clubs run MTA, is inaccurate.
"Four out of the nine exco members are from KCTA (Klang Coast Taekwondo Academy) which is registered under (MTA chairman) Chin (Mee Keong)," said the club representative who did not want to be identified.
Besides Mee Keong, vice-chairman Lim Chong Tiam, assistant secretary general Chun Chong Lee and treasurer Lim Chui Ann are from the Klang-based KCTA.
Secretary-general Yeap Swee Bee, who is also Klang-based, is from Power Sports while R.Dhanaraj, the national chief coach, is from Koryo Taekwondo Academy.
As of April 30, KCTA, Power Sports and Koryo had yet to register with the Sports Commissioner’s Office. Claims that the clubs are power crazy, hence the bid for votes, were also refuted.
"A large number of students come from the clubs and they contribute money to MTA. We want voting rights so that we can look after the welfare of the students and give constructive suggestions to the national association. At the moment, this is not case.
"The few members who belong to KCTA never meet up with the other associate members. They never consult us," said the source.
"All the problems started when one head instructor called for a discussion with a few other clubs to form a clubs association but MTA issued show cause letters to them.
"They (MTA) are very suspicious of the clubs. They are scared that the clubs will take over.
"We don’t want to take over but we want to contribute our ideas for the betterment of the sport. We just want to have a say.
"We have contributed financially, we have contributed by producing players for the national team and yet we are not allowed in the council."
Another head instructor concurred.
"These representatives were elected by the States and we did (clubs) not have a say. We are not affiliated to the States," said the instructor.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
THE six executive council members in the de-registered Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) cannot claim to be representatives of the clubs or associate members.
The six, said one associate member, were elected by the States. In fact, four of the six are from the same club.
As such, said the member, the claim by MTA president Ho Kam Phaw in a Press conference on Wednesday that clubs run MTA, is inaccurate.
"Four out of the nine exco members are from KCTA (Klang Coast Taekwondo Academy) which is registered under (MTA chairman) Chin (Mee Keong)," said the club representative who did not want to be identified.
Besides Mee Keong, vice-chairman Lim Chong Tiam, assistant secretary general Chun Chong Lee and treasurer Lim Chui Ann are from the Klang-based KCTA.
Secretary-general Yeap Swee Bee, who is also Klang-based, is from Power Sports while R.Dhanaraj, the national chief coach, is from Koryo Taekwondo Academy.
As of April 30, KCTA, Power Sports and Koryo had yet to register with the Sports Commissioner’s Office. Claims that the clubs are power crazy, hence the bid for votes, were also refuted.
"A large number of students come from the clubs and they contribute money to MTA. We want voting rights so that we can look after the welfare of the students and give constructive suggestions to the national association. At the moment, this is not case.
"The few members who belong to KCTA never meet up with the other associate members. They never consult us," said the source.
"All the problems started when one head instructor called for a discussion with a few other clubs to form a clubs association but MTA issued show cause letters to them.
"They (MTA) are very suspicious of the clubs. They are scared that the clubs will take over.
"We don’t want to take over but we want to contribute our ideas for the betterment of the sport. We just want to have a say.
"We have contributed financially, we have contributed by producing players for the national team and yet we are not allowed in the council."
Another head instructor concurred.
"These representatives were elected by the States and we did (clubs) not have a say. We are not affiliated to the States," said the instructor.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: Penang TA stand by deregistered national body
K. KANDIAH
May 20
THE Penang Taekwondo Association (PTA) are firmly behind the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office- bearers.
PTA secretary Dr Pok Sen Wei said this is in no way showing disrespect to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said or Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
"It was the committee’s decision to support the national body and we stand by it till the end," Sen Wei told Timesport yesterday.
"Our decision is in no way showing disrespect to the Sports Minister or the Sports Commissioner. Our firm decision is to allow the MTA to get things in order as stipulated in our constitution, even if it means going to court to solve the matter."
He said the PTA believe that the MTA will be able to solve the problem amicably and that they are headed in the right direction.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal against the decision from the date of the noticification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the national body’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 percent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the MTA’s registration based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act 1997, which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA's reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
On Monday the Selangor Taekwondo Association became the first State body to withdraw their support of the MTA followed by the Terengganu Taekwondo Association the following day.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 20
THE Penang Taekwondo Association (PTA) are firmly behind the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office- bearers.
PTA secretary Dr Pok Sen Wei said this is in no way showing disrespect to Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said or Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
"It was the committee’s decision to support the national body and we stand by it till the end," Sen Wei told Timesport yesterday.
"Our decision is in no way showing disrespect to the Sports Minister or the Sports Commissioner. Our firm decision is to allow the MTA to get things in order as stipulated in our constitution, even if it means going to court to solve the matter."
He said the PTA believe that the MTA will be able to solve the problem amicably and that they are headed in the right direction.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal against the decision from the date of the noticification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the national body’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 percent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the MTA’s registration based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act 1997, which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA's reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
On Monday the Selangor Taekwondo Association became the first State body to withdraw their support of the MTA followed by the Terengganu Taekwondo Association the following day.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MALAYSIA: MTA lose Terengganu TA’s support
S. Selvam
May 18
THE Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) are the latest State body to withdraw their support for the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office bearers due to their seemingly defiant stand against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
TTA president Datuk Razali Ismail also clarified that the association had full faith in Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Elyas to resolve the dispute amicably.
In fact, Razali said he was unaware that the TTA had voiced their objections to the way Elyas handled the whole episode and in the same letter, expressing the TTA’s support of the MTA and their office bearers.
"I don’t know what transpired but as far as we (TTA) are concerned, the sport must not suffer. We are confident that the Sports Minister will be able to resolve the issue," said Razali.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal from the date of the notification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the MTA’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 per cent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the registration of the MTA based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act, 1997 which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA’s reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
The Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) were the first State body to rescind their support of the MTA.
On whether the TTA supported the MTA office bearers’ legal proceedings against the Government and Elyas, Razali said: "No. We only support Sports Minister Datuk Azalina and hope she will be able to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
"The sport, especially the children, should not suffer. And on that note, we are going to go ahead with the Junior Championships on May 27-29 in Terengganu."
A meet which the TTA and the State Government support fully.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
May 18
THE Terengganu Taekwondo Association (TTA) are the latest State body to withdraw their support for the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) and their office bearers due to their seemingly defiant stand against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar and his office.
TTA president Datuk Razali Ismail also clarified that the association had full faith in Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Elyas to resolve the dispute amicably.
In fact, Razali said he was unaware that the TTA had voiced their objections to the way Elyas handled the whole episode and in the same letter, expressing the TTA’s support of the MTA and their office bearers.
"I don’t know what transpired but as far as we (TTA) are concerned, the sport must not suffer. We are confident that the Sports Minister will be able to resolve the issue," said Razali.
The MTA, the governing body for taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation-system in Malaysia, were de-registered by Elyas on May 6 and have 30 days to appeal from the date of the notification.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong on May 9 claimed that the MTA’s perceived defiant stand against the Sports Commissioner had "101 per cent support from the general council" comprising representatives from each State association.
Elyas revoked the registration of the MTA based on Article 20(1)(e) of the Sports Development Act, 1997 which states that the Commissioner may revoke or suspend the registration of a sports body if the Commissioner is satisfied that such sports body is hindering the development of the particular sport and it is in the public interest to revoke or suspend its registration.
At the centre of the controversy is the MTA’s reluctance to grant clubs voting rights despite Elyas presenting five models of governance and issuing the association a show cause letter on April 15.
According to Elyas, the MTA’s amendments did not guarantee clubs voting rights, contrary to what was promised by the MTA.
The Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) were the first State body to rescind their support of the MTA.
On whether the TTA supported the MTA office bearers’ legal proceedings against the Government and Elyas, Razali said: "No. We only support Sports Minister Datuk Azalina and hope she will be able to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
"The sport, especially the children, should not suffer. And on that note, we are going to go ahead with the Junior Championships on May 27-29 in Terengganu."
A meet which the TTA and the State Government support fully.
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
MALAYSIAA: Run-up to Manila SEA Games: 'Stay hopeful'
By RIZAL HASHIM
May 17:
MALAYSIA’S chef-de-mission to the Manila SEA Games, Low Beng Choo, remains hopeful the taekwondo exponents would be able to make the trip to the Philippines.
Although the sport's governing body, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner, Beng Choo has advised the exponents to remain focused on their training programme.
“We will do what we can to make sure taekwondo will be represented in the Games, including writing to the SEA Games Federation (SGF) explaining the situation and for them to be registered under the banner of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) if the issue is not resolved by then.
“As far as we are concerned, they are part of the team and remain in the programme.
“The exponents have been encouraged to continue training and not to worry about anything else,” said Beng Choo, who is also an OCM vice-president.
Beng Choo was speaking to the Press after chairing a team managers' meeting at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
MTA have instituted legal action against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar following the de-registration on May 6, which threw the immediate future of national exponents into doubt.
On athletes who have met the SEA Games qualifying mark, Beng Choo said their place in the contingent is not assured.
“In order to justify their berths, they have to demonstrate their consistency and not take their places for granted.
“Track and field athletes who have met the requirements, for instance, will still have to prove themselves in the MAAU Open in August.
“This is to make sure we will not have any passengers in the contingent.”
Source from http://mmail.com.my
May 17:
MALAYSIA’S chef-de-mission to the Manila SEA Games, Low Beng Choo, remains hopeful the taekwondo exponents would be able to make the trip to the Philippines.
Although the sport's governing body, the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA), have been de-registered by the Sports Commissioner, Beng Choo has advised the exponents to remain focused on their training programme.
“We will do what we can to make sure taekwondo will be represented in the Games, including writing to the SEA Games Federation (SGF) explaining the situation and for them to be registered under the banner of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) if the issue is not resolved by then.
“As far as we are concerned, they are part of the team and remain in the programme.
“The exponents have been encouraged to continue training and not to worry about anything else,” said Beng Choo, who is also an OCM vice-president.
Beng Choo was speaking to the Press after chairing a team managers' meeting at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
MTA have instituted legal action against Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar following the de-registration on May 6, which threw the immediate future of national exponents into doubt.
On athletes who have met the SEA Games qualifying mark, Beng Choo said their place in the contingent is not assured.
“In order to justify their berths, they have to demonstrate their consistency and not take their places for granted.
“Track and field athletes who have met the requirements, for instance, will still have to prove themselves in the MAAU Open in August.
“This is to make sure we will not have any passengers in the contingent.”
Source from http://mmail.com.my
MALAYSIA:The deregistration saga: Selangor TA no longer support MTA
By S. Selvam
MAy 17:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association’s (MTA) show of unity in defying the Sports Commissioner’s office showed the first sign of cracking yesterday when the Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) withdrew their support for the beleaguered body.
In fact, the STA have thrown their support behind Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar to resolve the issue amicably.
And if the MTA do not appeal to Azalina, STA are willing to take that step to spare the sport from further ridicule and embarrassment.
"The STA don't support, and withdraw all support for any legal proceedings instituted against the Sports Commissioner and his office," said STA president Yusof Hashim in Kajang yesterday.
"The STA also withdraw their association against all police reports made against the Sports Commissioner and his office.
"But the STA support the Sports Minister (Azalina) in her endeavour to resolve the current issues affecting taekwondo WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia amicably.
"This is the stand of the STA and the council."
The MTA were de-registered on May 6 by Elyas for hindering the development of the sport as the association failed to heed directives to grant clubs direct membership and voting rights.
The MTA have 30 days, from the date of the notification, to appeal to Azalina.
Although the MTA have yet to appeal, two lawsuits have been initiated against Elyas and the Government of Malaysia. A police report was also lodged by several office bearers against Elyas for allegedly threatening the association.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong, on May 9, had said the association had "101" per cent support from the affiliates in all their (MTA) actions thus far.
But yesterday, Yusof rescinded all support and said they would seek a meeting with Elyas and Azalina to find a solution.
"And we will appeal to the minister to lift the de-registration," said Yusof.
"The minister has said she is prepared to listen, so why is there a necessity to go to the court?
"The channels (for communication) are still open and we believe that should be the appropriate course of action."
On why the STA were withdrawing their support when they were also party to the decisions made by the MTA general council, Yusof said: "The issues have become very serious and the actions have gone against the very basic tenets of the sport — respect and discipline.
"We teach our members and children discipline but the MTA's actions show defiance.
"If the full facts were presented and its repercussions were explained, I'm sure the decisions would also be different.
"As such, we are withdrawing our support to MTA. It is STA's right to withdraw our support and this is our stand."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
MAy 17:
THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association’s (MTA) show of unity in defying the Sports Commissioner’s office showed the first sign of cracking yesterday when the Selangor Taekwondo Association (STA) withdrew their support for the beleaguered body.
In fact, the STA have thrown their support behind Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar to resolve the issue amicably.
And if the MTA do not appeal to Azalina, STA are willing to take that step to spare the sport from further ridicule and embarrassment.
"The STA don't support, and withdraw all support for any legal proceedings instituted against the Sports Commissioner and his office," said STA president Yusof Hashim in Kajang yesterday.
"The STA also withdraw their association against all police reports made against the Sports Commissioner and his office.
"But the STA support the Sports Minister (Azalina) in her endeavour to resolve the current issues affecting taekwondo WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) in Malaysia amicably.
"This is the stand of the STA and the council."
The MTA were de-registered on May 6 by Elyas for hindering the development of the sport as the association failed to heed directives to grant clubs direct membership and voting rights.
The MTA have 30 days, from the date of the notification, to appeal to Azalina.
Although the MTA have yet to appeal, two lawsuits have been initiated against Elyas and the Government of Malaysia. A police report was also lodged by several office bearers against Elyas for allegedly threatening the association.
MTA chairman Chin Mee Keong, on May 9, had said the association had "101" per cent support from the affiliates in all their (MTA) actions thus far.
But yesterday, Yusof rescinded all support and said they would seek a meeting with Elyas and Azalina to find a solution.
"And we will appeal to the minister to lift the de-registration," said Yusof.
"The minister has said she is prepared to listen, so why is there a necessity to go to the court?
"The channels (for communication) are still open and we believe that should be the appropriate course of action."
On why the STA were withdrawing their support when they were also party to the decisions made by the MTA general council, Yusof said: "The issues have become very serious and the actions have gone against the very basic tenets of the sport — respect and discipline.
"We teach our members and children discipline but the MTA's actions show defiance.
"If the full facts were presented and its repercussions were explained, I'm sure the decisions would also be different.
"As such, we are withdrawing our support to MTA. It is STA's right to withdraw our support and this is our stand."
Source from http://www.nst.com.my
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