KUCHING: Two Sarawak taekwondo exponents, Mohamad Zulhafiz Zulhadi and AJ Ong Yang Yi, both 18, have been selected for the national kyorugi squad ahead of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, scheduled from Dec 9 to 20 this year.
Their inclusion follows a series of gold medal wins at the national championships in 2023 and 2024, as well as at SUKMA XXI, hosted in Sarawak last year.
“We’re proud to see these young athletes earn their place through consistent performance and dedication,” said Azizul Annuar Adenan, president of Persatuan Taekwondo Negeri Sarawak (TM/WTF).
The pair reported for centralised training earlier this month under national coach Master Kim Kwang Su, as part of preparations not only for the SEA Games but also other international commitments.
“At Persatuan Taekwondo Negeri Sarawak, we are committed to developing athletes from grassroots to elite levels through structured, recognised pathways,” Azizul said.
He expressed full confidence in Zulhafiz and Ong, commending their discipline and potential to represent the nation with distinction.
The athletes also joined a recent courtesy visit to Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, alongside other officials and taekwondo representatives.
In taekwondo, kyorugi refers to the sparring discipline — a strategic and controlled form of combat focused on precision, timing, and technique.
