Jin Kun wary of Asian Games rivals
TAEKWONDO exponent Yong Jin Kun has a chance to enter the history books by winning Malaysia’s first medal in poomsae at the Asian Games in Indonesia next year.
But despite clinching bronze in the team event at the Asian Championships in Manila last year (with Kok Jun Ee and Chew Wei Yang), as well as the mixed pair gold at the Korean Open earlier this year (with Yap Khim Wen), Jin Kun is wary of the task at hand.
“Obviously, I am very excited that poomsae will be included for a first time at the Asian Games,” said Jin Kun.
“But at the moment it is hard to realistically gauge our chances for a number of reasons.
“The Asian Games will use a new format using new styles which are more dynamic and contemporary.
“There will also be a freestyle poomsae category.
“We have heard that some countries have a different set of exponents for these disciplines, so we are expecting some different faces than we are used to in traditional poomsae.
“Regardless, we will keep training hard and learn this new format.
“Obviously, we will do our best to try and win a medal.”
Jin Kun, who has won four bronze and two silver from the last three Sea Games editions, added that he feels more composed now to deliver medals at the Asian Games.
The 22-year-old believes the squad will get a clearer picture of their rivals when they compete at the Asian Championships in Vietnam in May. Fadhli Ishak