MTA seek approval for Games squad

05/08/1997

THE Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) have selected 12 exponents for
the Jakarta Sea Games to be held in October.
"The list will be submitted to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) for
approval," said national coach Lee Yoke Keong yesterday.
The closing date for entries is on Friday.
MTA have been alloted 16 slots by the OCM for the Games but could not
find suitable exponents.
"Sarah Chung, who won Malaysia's only gold medal at the Chiangmai Sea
Games last year, is doing her Phd in Canada and has opted out. The usual
Sea Games team numbers 16, but we decided to send 12 this year."
The exponents will begin their two-month centralised training at the
Fish Pond Centre of Excellence in Malacca today.
Lee added that in Malacca he will be assisted by South Korean Lee Byung
Hee to prepare the exponents for the Sea Games.
"Byung Hee, who coached the Sarawak Malaysia Games team, was brought in
by the National Sports Council.
"We will stress on endurance and skills at the training session in
Malacca, sparring sessions with the back-up squad will also be held," said
Lee.
MTA have set a target of four gold medal in Jakarta.
"We have capable seniors in S. Kumar, Dayang Atika and Phuvaneswary.
Four gold medals are not beyond our reach if they fight as instructed."
Squad - Men: S. Kumar (finweight), Joseph Kung (flyweight), Lim Teck
Guang (bantamweight), Ler Chee Keong (lightweight), Kenny Chang
(middleweight), Roger Tan (heavyweightt).
Women - Phuvaneswary (finweight), Dayang Atika (flyweight), Jury Foo
(bantamweight), Elizabeth Chua (featherweight), Lee Wan Yuen
(heavyweight).
(END)