BY Fadhil Yunus

Some 200 individuals from both local and foreign taekwondo clubs and gyms are taking part in the 2nd Brunei Hanmadang Taekwondo Festival 2022 organised by the Brunei Darussalam Taekwondo Association (BDTA) at the Multipurpose Hall of the Youth Centre in the capital.

Participating clubs and gyms are United Taekwondo Gym, 018 Gym, Wiraseni Taekwondo, Hybrid Taekwondo, Apex Taekwondo and Miri Kim Taekwondo Academy from Sarawak.

Patron of BDTA Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah in a welcoming speech expressed gratitude and congratulated the association for having worked tirelessly to reignite taekwondo activities in the country and also hold the Hanmadang championship festival for the second time.

On behalf of the association and the BDTA members, he also extended his appreciation to participants from neighbouring Sarawak in the competition. He said their presence will further strengthen ties between the Sultanate and Sarawak adding that it will increase the quality and performance of taekwondo in both countries at the same time.

The Hanmadang festival showcases unique events such as speed breaking, power breaking, traditional and creative poomsae events, martial arts demonstration and team demonstration.

The patron said this will provide opportunities for its members and clubs under the auspices of the association to be active and participate.

The competition will also indirectly unearth and produce new talents to be groomed and absorbed to take part in more prestigious competitions both in the country and overseas and enhance the country’s image.

Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair congratulated the athletes and coaches of the national taekwondo team for winning silver and bronze in the International Taekwondo Culture Championship and Shinsying University President’s Cup International Taekwondo Championship last July in South Korea.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin