MGTF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

THE STAR

Wednesday August 20, 2008

Return of MGTF national meet

By NG WEI LOON

AFTER a lapse of one year, the Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation (MGTF) National Championships will be making a return at the Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam on Aug 30 and 31.

Defending champions Kedah, who have kept the challenge trophy for good with their three consecutive victories between 2004 and 2006, will be starting off as favourites.

MGTF vice-president (technical) Yeow Cheng Watt said the teams would be vying for the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Challenge Trophy.

“Terengganu and Selangor are also considered among the serious contenders for the overall title this season.

“Although it is an MGTF event, we are also inviting competitors from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) to compete in the meet. Our aim is to promote healthy integration among the taekwondo followers regardless of their background. Besides staying competitive, the event is about reinforcing sportsmanship and fostering closer friendship,” he added.

The organisers are expecting about 300 exponents to take part in the individual and team sections of the pattern and sparring events.

Among the five weight categories for the women’s and men’s individual sparring events are micro, light, middle, heavy and hyper.

For the individual patterns, the women will be vying for honours in three sections (first, second, third degree black belt) while the men’s will be showing their flair in four categories (from first to fourth degree black belt).

Other events include team sparring, mixed pattern and team pattern comprising five members in a side.

“Each contingent can field a representative for each of the three elements in the men’s special technique events.

“The three kicking routines are jumping high turning kick, jumping high front kick and jumping high 360° reverse hooking kick,” said Yeow.

Following Negri Sembilan’s chief coach Chee Moon Tiow’s one month stint in Guangdong, two teams from Shantou and Meizhou cities in the province are also expected to be in the fray.

A total of 17 exponents including two women competitors will be featuring for the two teams.

Chen Wei and Ye Tao Fei, who are both fifth degree black belt holders, will be leading the sides from Shantou and Meizhou respectively.

Organising chairman Muhd Shahnaz Azmi said the Malaysian line-up would also feature in an exhibition match against the visitors from China as the grand finale of the meet.

“The competition venue can accommodate up to 12,000 spectators.

We are offering free entry to the two-day tournament and hope that the public will join us for the occasion,” added Shahnaz.

For details, call 019-257 4977 (Shahnaz) or visit www.mgtf.org.my.