Taekwondo

HẢ NỘI — Việt Nam have emerged at the top in the Asian Cadet Taekwondo Poomsae Championship, held in HCM City on Tuesday.

The hosts pocketed four golds, three silvers and one bronze. All gold medals went to the poomsae (performance) crew, who had been given the target of winning at least two titles, the number they won last year.

The first gold was won by the girls’ team recognised poomsae pool with trio Nguyễn Kim Phương, Lê Ngọc Hân and Nguyễn Thị Minh Anh, who won 7.870 points for their first performance and 7.860 point for the second. With an average of 7.865, they triumphed the event at the Military Zone 7 Gymnasium.

Thailand came second with 7.635 points and Chinese Taipei were at third at 7.615 points.

Việt Nam’s second gold was won by Nguyễn Quang Trí and Nguyễn Kim Phương in the mixed duo recognised poomsae category. They won 7.970 points to overcome Thái Lan (7.880 points) and claim the title.

Nguyễn Thị Minh Anh and Bùi Anh Tuấn won the third gold for the country in the mixed duo freestyle poomsae, with 7.04 points.

Minutes later, their teammates topped the mixed gender team with 6.87 points.

The three silvers were won by the boys’ team recognised poomsae by Nguyễn Quang Trí, Nguyễn Văn Đăng and Lê Nhật Hào; boys’ individual freestyle poomsae by Nguyễn Đức Thịnh; and girl’s individual freestyle poomsae by Châu Ngọc Tuyết Sang.

The only bronze was bagged by Lê Nhật Hào for the boys’ individual recognised poomsae.

Thailand were second in the poomsae championship, with two golds and three silvers. Iran came third with two golds, one silver and three bronzes.

“The absence of South Korea in the poomsae tournament gave more opportunities to Vietnamese athletes. Four gold medals are much better than the target we set prior to the championship, but it is not a surprise because we prepared very well,” said head coach Nguyễn Thanh Huy of Việt Nam. “We have a number of young and talented athletes. They will be Việt Nam’s core team in international tournaments in the future.”

In the first action of the Asian Cadet Taekwondo Championship on Tuesday, Vietnamese athletes were not successful. Despite three fighters entering the finals, the hosts did not win a gold medal. Nguyễn Văn Thế Trung (boys’ U53kg), Nguyễn Thị Như Ý (girls’ U44kg) and Phạm Ngọc Châm (girls’ U47kg) won silver medals.

The combat events will finish late today.

It is the second time that this tournament for athletes from 12 to 14 years has been organised. The first time was in Chinese Taipei in 2015. — VNS