Over 500 exponents at East Malaysia schools taekwondo c’ship
SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council Chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King has made the call for more people to indulge in and also help promote taekwondo.
Taekwondo, he observed, is constantly evolving into a unique martial art with practical applications for self defence and fitness building.
“Therefore it is important for us to engage and do our part to help promote the game which had produced outstanding athletes in the country,” he said.
Tiong was speaking at the opening of the 7th East Malaysia Inter-School Taekwondo Open Championship at SM Catholic High here yesterday afternoon.
More than 500 exponents from throughout the state as well as teams from Penang and Labuan are taking part.
Among those attending the event were Malaysia Taekwondo Association president Dato Sri Nik Aswan Nik Abdul Aziz, secretary general Eddy Tuan and Education Ministry ‘s deputy director for Sports and Culture Tuan Haji Mohd Rashid Mean.
“The spirit and motto of taekwondo is about self discipline, humility, respect and perseverance, to be a defender of justice and to create harmony in society,” Tiong added.
He said oriental martial arts like taekwondo, karate and wushu emphasize both physical and mental development.
“This reminds me of western boxing with the only goal of defeating the opponent in a violent and cruel way.”
He said oriental martial arts have more culture compared their western counterparts which always emphasize humanity and human rights but instead use violent and brutal fighting techniques.
Earlier, Sarawak Taekwondo Federation president Dr Henry Toh welcomed all participants to the tournament.