04-07-2025
80-year-old bags gold in taekwondo
Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025
By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Khong stands on the podium after winning gold. SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Sports Complex was alive with energy as the DGTC 2025 Taekwondo Invitational Tournament drew 323 participants of all ages over the weekend. The two-day tournament showcased the growing popularity of taekwondo in Sabah, with athletes as young as five and as senior as 80 participating in various competitive categories.
Advertisement The event, organised by Dragon Generation Taekwondo Club (DGTC), brought together athletes from six local clubs across Sandakan — DGTC, Warisan Sandakan Taekwondo Club, Nature City Taekwondo Club, Interior Taekwondo Club, High Kick Taekwondo Club and MBV Taekwondo Club. Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee, who officiated the closing ceremony, praised the tournament for promoting values that go beyond sport. 'Taekwondo is not just about physical fitness — it teaches perseverance, self-discipline and mental strength, which are all vital for building character,' she said. She said events like this not only uncover young talent but also help foster unity and resilience in the community through martial arts. Five categories were contested, namely Kyorugi (sparring), Virtual Taekwondo, Poomsae (forms), Freestyle Poomsae, and Gyeokpa (breaking techniques using hands and legs). One of the most inspiring moments came from 80-year-old Lily Khong Chau Fa, a housewife originally from Selangor who moved to Sandakan in 2013 to help care for her grandchildren. Khong, who only picked up taekwondo in March last year, clinched gold in the Recognised Poomsae Female 46 years old and above (Individual, Category B) — her fourth gold medal in as many tournaments. 'I used to just accompany my grandchildren to training. Then I thought, why not join them? It's good exercise, and I feel healthier since I started,' she said. Now holding a green-blue belt, Khong trains with DGTC and credits her coach for encouraging her participation and guiding her with dedication. 'We are so lucky to have a wonderful coach who believed in me. I'm grateful to be part of this club.' The tournament was judged by a panel of certified referees including Master Muhd Zaini Usop, Master Mujayal Ebno, Master Aduring @ Musri Habib Mohammad, Master Rizal Aninus, Kevin Amit, Muhd Hamzah Robert, Ibrahim Hussein, Siti Nuraini Mohd Ali, Chau Li Phin and Arman Juakaal. Supporting the event behind the scenes was a dedicated technical team made up of Mohd Eyzrol Syafiq Peter, Khairul Iman Mohd Firdaus and Daneal Adam Francis. DGTC president Rita Dragon and tournament co-organiser Master Ahmad Khalid @ Robert Dragon expressed pride in the participants' commitment, adding they hope the tournament will become an annual official event in Sandakan. The tournament concluded with a medal and certificate ceremony, followed by a crowd-pleasing freestyle poomsae performance by taekwondo athletes. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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