Some 30 Cambodian ITF Taekwondo referees and
umpires completed a weeklong training programme conducted by a well-known North
Korean practitioner of the sport.
The seminar and training occurred as Cambodia
stepped up its preparations for major ITF Taekwondo competitions here and
abroad.
Last month, the Cambodian SEA Games Organizing
Committee added ITF Taekwondo to the list of sports that will be contested in the
2023 Southeast Asian Games. This marks the first time for ITF Taekwondo to be
included in Southeast Asia’s biggest sporting event, according to Cambodia ITF
Taekwondo Federation (CITF) Chairman Keo Remy.
The programme was held at the National Training
Center in Phnom Penh from September 21 to 26.
The participants trained extensively under the
guidance of Master Ri Chol Nam, a North Korean ITF Taekwondo instructor who has
been helping prepare the Kingdom for competitions abroad.
The participants came from Phnom Penh, Kampong
Speu, Battambang, Prey Veng, Pailin and other parts of the country, according
to Chivorn Pal, the coach of the Cambodian National ITF Taekwondo Team.
“The training was held to improve the skills of
the umpires and referees ahead of the 2023 SEA Games,” he said.
Chivorn said the participants went through
various aspects of the sport, including team sparring, self-defence, patterns
and special techniques.
According to Chivorn, the CITF holds the
training every year. “But this year’s training was more special,” he said,
noting the greater participation of the North Korean instructor.
“In the past, it was mostly local instructors
who conducted the training,” he pointed out.
Chivorn said that he is optimistic of
Cambodia’s chances moving forward. “I am
confident that we will get more medals and good results,” he said.
Cambodia did well in past ITF Taekwondo
competitions abroad. Chivorn himself won a gold medal for Cambodia in the World
ITF taekwondo Championship in Bulgaria last year.
During the closing ceremony at the Olympic
Stadium on Sept 26, the participants received certificates from CITF officials
led by Honorary President Lim Bunheng.
Two weeks ago, the CITF conducted a test match
involving National Team members and the best players from various clubs and
provinces as part of preparations for future competitions.
ITF Taekwondo is different from the traditional
Taekwondo on account of its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping spinning
kicks and fast kicking techniques. Its origins have led many commentators to
dub it as the ‘North Korean school of Taekwondo’.