The state exponents (from left) Lucas Lei, Arista Sese, Lau Sheng Fung, Marcus Chai, Jared Tiong, Alex Then, Yap Jun Heng; Front row (from left): Tey Ka Ying, Isaac Chai Hezu, Master Johnny Chai, team manager Lawrence Chai , Delton Sako, Carrisa Choong.
KUCHING: ITF Sarawak taekwondo exponents had a good outing at the National Inter-Schools Taekwondo (ITF) Championships at KBU International College from June 13-14.
The eight-member team captured eight gold, four silver and two bronze medals in the meet that attracted more than 1,200 students, teachers and officials from 160 primary and seconday schools.
Lucas Lei Han Yew of St Joseph’s Private School and Lau Sheng Fung from SJK Chung Hua No. 4 each delivered two gold medals while the rest of the gold medals were contributed by Marcus Chai (SMK Green Road), Alex Then Yih Wei (St Joseph’s Private School), Carrisa Choong Chui Yung (SMK Sungai Maong) and Arista Sese (SMK Kuching Town).
According to ITF Sarawak chief instructor Johnny Chai, it was an impressive haul by all eight Sarawak representatives who exceeded medal expectations.
He was happy and proud of the team’s strong showing, saying: “Strong discipline and commitment in our training sessions was the key factor to the good achievement which once again proved the high standard of our four state coaches, namely Jeremy, Lawrence, Isaac and Delton.
“However, the success also came as a result of our junior state team’s strong determination and fighting spirit,” he said.
“The emphasis was on the collection of the valuable co-curriculum points by the students involved and this can help greatly when they apply for placements in unviversities,” he added.
The championship was opened by Education Ministry co-curriculum and arts director Rozinum Ahmad who had emphasised on the importance of co-curriculum points in a student’s education, especially when applying for placement in universities.
She added that an event such as this championship is indirectly key to securing scholarships and university placement given the high co-curriculum points that students can obtain here.
Members of the public interested in the original Korean martial art of self-defence Taekwon-Do ITF can contact Johnny Chai at 019-8871386, Sim Heng Tak at 019-8893622, Leong Wee Ping at 016-8166997 or Jenny Tan at 012-8936039.