MTA yearn to become OCM member

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SIBU: Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA) is hoping to be reinstated as a member of Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), with MTA vice president Dr Henry Toh had recently pointed out that the association is still the national controlling body for taekwondo.

“Since the Sports Commissioner now recognises MTA as the national controlling body for taekwondo, we hope that OCM will also give us its nod,” he said.

Toh said this when welcoming two Sarawak Taekwondo Federation (STF) exponents who returned gold medals from the recent 2nd Asia Zone Taekwondo Self Defense Championship held in Guangzhou, China.

Wong Tiong Yung, 18, was champion in the 18 years old and above category while Lucas Chieng Tiew Lik won in the 18 years old and below category. Both won in pomsae events.

Another STF’s exponent, Lau Lee Ling, secured a bronze in the 48kg sparring event.

The trio also helped the country to bag a total of four gold medals, two silver and three bronze at the four-day championship.

Despite its three year absence at the national and international scene, Toh said STF had been training its exponents and their victory at Guangzhou, China was proof that they still have the capacity to deliver the goods.

“With the MTA now making a comeback and with the little help of all government and semi-government agencies, MTA can help bring back the past glory of Malaysia, be it in the Asian championship, World or even at the Olympics,” Toh said.

He added: “We are all ready and we hope OCM can see the point.”

As far as STF is concerned, Toh said it was resurrected and reactivated with the coming back of MTA into the fold.

He said they had also talked to the Ministry of Education and the officers had been very understanding and cooperative towards the cause of STF.

“Effective next year, we are going back to the same schools which we once occupied to help instruct the students and lift their standard in the art of self-defence,” he enthused.

Toh said they would convince the principals and teachers that they could do a better job than other taekwondo bodies.

“For those who still have a heart in STF, apply to rejoin us and help us bring Sarawak taekwondo to the highest level in Malaysia,” he enthused.