MTA/WTF to TM/WTF – Let’s usher in a new era

Eddie Tuan

SIBU: Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA/WTF) is always prepared to work together with Taekwondo Malaysia (TM/WTF) to help elevate the standard of the sport in the country.

Its secretary-general Eddie Tuan said there were no viable reasons for the two organisations to go separate ways as both shared a common mission to build the reputation of the sport.

“We are all in one family and together we can usher in a new era and help bring the sport in the country towards greater glory,” he told reporters before the opening of the 4th East Malaysia Inter-School Self Defence Taekwondo Championship held at SM Catholic on Monday.

Tuan’s optimism followed a surprise announcement by TM deputy president Mohd Nazifuddin Razak last week that the selection of taekwondo exponents for the 2017 SEA Games could also be opened to MTA athletes.

MTA and TM had been at loggerheads for several years, resulting in the prohibition of MTA athletes from representing the country in international events sanctioned by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

“This is because in Malaysia, WTF recognise TM as the only national body to pick taekwondo athletes to represent the country, including Malaysia Games (Sukma).

“We welcome the good news with open hearts and for the sake of the country and if given the chance, we are willing to send our best athletes for national selection.”

Tuan added that MTA was not short of good athletes, having produced players of national and international calibre in the past.

“We are confident that we can help the country regain our past glory in the international taekwondo championships if our exponents are allowed to participate in WTF sanctioned tournaments,” he said while recalling that MTA bagged 10 gold medals at one particular international event in 1987.

Tuan said other national taekwondo bodies like Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF), International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), Moon Do Kwan and Chung Do Kwan were all waiting for the good news.

“Together, these taekwondo associations can easily boast of a total membership exceeding 100,000 members.

“Sport is for everybody and it should never be politicised. Once it is politicised, then the athletes will suffer.”

“At the end of the day, it is the results that matter and results speak for everything.”

Tuan also appealed to TM-affiliated Sarawak Taekwondo Association (STA) coaches to refrain from going to schools to spread accusations against MTA-affiliated Sarawak Taekwondo Federation (STF).

“Please stop doing such unhealthy practices. It has been going on for quite some time and unfortunately, it still happens. You do your part and we do our part and please stop spreading false rumors about us,” he said.

 

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