COURTESY VISIT: Edward (second right) with (from left) Tan, Salleh and Then (right) posing with Johari (centre) during the courtesy call on the minister at his office at Bangunan Baitulmakmur in Petra Jaya on Wednesday.
KUCHING: Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) and Sarawak Taekwondo Association (WTF) will be working closely with state government in the effort to develop Borneo Cup Taekwondo Championship into a world class event.
TM secretary Dato Edward Jules said the national taekwondo governing is helping Sarawak Taekwondo Association (PTNS) to grow the event into a brand name for the state.
“Sarawak has been pro-active in developing the sport and producing high calibre athletes for the country…we want to use the Borneo Cup as a stepping stone for potential exponents to compete at future Olympics,” he told the Borneo Post in an exclusive interview yesterday.
Edward had paid courtesy calls to Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and his assistant minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Wednesday to brief them on the matter.
Accompanying him were PTNS (WTF) president Mohd Salleh Sani, vice president Timothy Then and state technical chairman Tan Check Joon.
“The minister has graciously consented to be the patron and advisor for the Borneo Cup and we are looking at how to promote this event along with the Borneo Rainforest Festival and the Kuching City Day celebration,” said Edward.
“When we look at events in Sarawak, we believe PTNS can contribute towards more international events especially on the sporting side. In this regard they are doing the Borneo Cup for the fourth time on Aug 24-25. It is also time for PTNS to upgrade the tournament to a recognised tournament,” he said.
The organisers are also targeting over 200 exponents from 10 to 15 different countries for the coming tournament.
Edward said the Borneo Cup is also one the events listed on TM’s calendar and it will fully support PTNS’ efforts in making the event a success.
“This year, we are only organising taekwondo competition for the Borneo Cup and gradually other sports will come in as part of the event. We want to be the main driver of international sports events for the Borneo Cup,” said Edward.
“Through the Borneo Cup, we also hope that we can unearth more potential exponents who will one day stand on the medals podium at the Olympics Games,” he added.