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