Malaysia bring in S. Korean fighters as sparring partners

KUALA LUMPUR: Four top-class South Korean taekwondo fighters are here to spar with Malaysia’s kyorugi (combat) exponents in preparation for the KL SEA Games.

The four Koreans are training with the Malaysians under the watchful eyes of coach Kim Hongon, who is also from South Korea.

Team manager A. Jayarajan said that the South Koreans were brought in due to the lack of top-level sparring partners.

“They will be here for the next two weeks until we start our competition on Aug 26. Our team also returned from a training stint in South Korea just 10 days ago.

“The exponents are really pushing themselves and their commitment is great. We are pleased with their attitude,” said Jayarajan.

The taekwondo team have not won a gold medal in the last three SEA Games but are hoping to do it this time.

They are targeting two gold medals but expect more with home ground advantage.

Jayarajan said that the gold medals should come from the pomsae (pattern) discipline.

“But I won’t rule out our kyorugi exponents. After two years of training, we believe they will deliver the medals,” he said.

“The only thing our exponents lack is experience.”

Taekwondo will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Exhibition Halls from Aug 26-29.

After two years of training, we believe they will deliver the medals.

A. Jayarajan