A TOTAL of 189 young taekwondo exponents from across the country competed in the two-day grand finals of the Sportexcel-NSC-Milo Taekwondo Malaysia (WTF) National Junior Circuit at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium recently.
Among the participants, aged between 9 and 17, were those who triumphed in the four legs held in different states. All in, 1,015 exponents from 90 teams competed.
Sportexcel executive director C. Sivanandan, who has been supporting the junior circuit since 2012, believes that competitions like this are necessary for the development of young athletes.
Sivanandan, who was present at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium, said: “The unique thing about Sportexcel’s circuits is that it is not a once a year carnival.
“An athlete must train and compete as much as possible all year round.
“This allows an athlete to go back and train more before competing again, and that is how one progresses in sports.”
Sivanandan also urged Taekwondo Malaysia to play its role by making sure the talents of the young athletes don’t go to waste.
The goal is to develop these young talents to eventually represent the country at international sporting events beginning with the Sea Games and Asian Games.
“This should not stop here and I hope to see the young talents representing our country at the higher stage.
“Taekwondo Malaysia must make sure these athletes be trained well to one day represent Malaysia at the international level. Probably when Malaysia host the Sea Games in 2017.”
Premium club Koryo emerged overall grand champions by winning 13 gold medals, 11 silver and eight bronze.
The grand finals was conducted in round robin format, giving exponents the chance to prove themselves even if they have lost a bout.
Results: Under 11: 1 Koryo (4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) 2 BTFC (2 gold, 1 silver) 3 Selangor (1 gold, 2 silver)
Under 14: 1 Koryo (6 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze) 2 Perak (3 gold) 3 KL (2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)
Under 17: 1 Selangor (4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) 2 Koryo (2 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze) 3 Dynamic (2 gold)
Open: 1 Pelapis (2 gold) 2 KL (1 gold, 1 silver) 3 Koryo, ATM and Win Long (1 gold each).
