On the 5 May 2024, the Kyorugi Referee Seminar was held at the Begonia Ballroom, Downtown East. The event was more than just a seminar – it was a glimpse into the future of Taekwondo. The Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) Virtual Taekwondo Committee led
by Mr Johnny Lim and Mr Tan Cheng Hui showcased the thrilling world of Virtual Taekwondo to our STF’s Kyorugi National Referees and Coaches.

World Taekwondo’s aim is to have Virtual Taekwondo recognised as an official medal event in the Olympic Programmes. The inaugural World Taekwondo Virtual Taekwondo Championships, which will be held in Singapore on 16 and 17 November 2024, will enable
athletes to realise their Olympic aspiration.

But the ambitions do not stop there, World Taekwondo aspires to include Virtual Taekwondo in all major Esports and multi-sports games. Virtual Taekwondo is not just a sport – it is an inclusive event that promotes diversity. It is strongly encouraged to be adopted in schools,
sports institutions, and dojangs.

Mr Roy Tan, Chairman of STF Referee Committee shared, “Virtual Taekwondo is not just a
game, it’s a revolution in the sport. It brings a new level of engagement and inclusivity that we
have never seen before.”

The seminar participants had the unique opportunity to experience Virtual Taekwondo firsthand. A demonstration was presented by Nigel Tan and Daycia Low, our Virtual Taekwondo National Development Squad members. The demonstration sparked strong interest
and excitement among several Taekwondo clubs. A few clubs have already placed an order for the Virtual Taekwondo system with the Singapore Taekwondo Federation, the sole official distributor for the Virtual Taekwondo system and equipment in Singapore.
Locally, Virtual Taekwondo competition has been included in several competitions, such as the inaugural Singapore Open 2024 Virtual Taekwondo Championships in June 2024, International Taekwondo Masters Open Championships 2024 (Singapore) in July 2024, and
GetActive! Singapore 2024 Pesta Sukan Taekwondo Competition in August 2024.

“Our vision is to see Virtual Taekwondo on the global stage, recognised as an official event in the Olympic Esports Games. We believe it has the potential to redefine the future of this sport. Singapore Taekwondo Federation is deeply honoured to organise the inaugural World
Taekwondo Virtual Championships. We believe this event marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our beloved sports and paves the way for its future in the digital age”, Mr Johnny Lim, Chairman of STF Virtual Taekwondo Committee.

If you’re keen to find out more about Virtual Taekwondo and the system, don’t hesitate to reach out via email stfvtc@gmail.com or call STF office at +65 6345 1491.

Step into the future and embrace the exciting world of Virtual Taekwondo!

The Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) held the inaugural STF Para Taekwondo Poomsae Championship on the 20 April 2024, Saturday, with Sister Linda Sim gracing the event as the guest-of honour. She is Vice-Chair World Taekwondo (WT) Taekwondo for All Committee. Sister Linda is also part of the Member Relations and Development Commission.

Although it was the first competition for many contestants, and nervousness was the initial overriding emotion of the day, competitors were encouraged by cheers of family and friends to battle through nerves and complete their designated pa􀆩erns for a panel of five judges.

Elation then took over as medals were presented during the ceremony.

“It’s great that there’s opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to explore and expose themselves to sports. We think it’s wonderful that STF is creating awareness and possibilities for PWDs,” Mr Marius Madsen, one of the competitors, said.

Mr Madsen was an able-bodied taekwondo athlete before a near-fatal accident. Though he is now paralysed from the waist down, his love for the sport meant that he’s returned as a para-athlete. He competes under P50, which allows the use of assistive technology such as wheelchairs.

“It’s also an opportunity for children with disabilities to engage with people outside and enjoy sports. On top of taekwondo, Whyra also engages in running,” Ms Norhayati Binte Zabah said.

Her son, Whyra Juaanda Bin Anjas Asmara, is hearing impaired and competes under P60.

Other categories represented include:
• P10 – Visual impairment
• P20 – Intellectual impairment
• P40 – Physical impairment

Para Taekwondo is an adaptation of taekwondo for athletes with an impairment, with WT as the sport’s governing body. For instance, adapted rules and regulations include judging para-athletes on stance and practicability of movement and balance, rather than on accuracy of individual movements.

It’s a recognised Paralympic sport, having been included in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics roster. Para Taekwondo will be returning for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

Chaired by Mr Michael Ho, the competition was planned and hosted by the STF Para-taekwondo Subcommittee, following a successful trial in 2023. The effort is part of STF’s push to introduce the sport to PWDs and encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Medallists at the event are as follows:

P10: Visual impairment – Colour belt, Age 4-14
• Gold – Bryan Lim (Lighthouse School)

P20: Intellectual impairment – Colour belt, Age 4-14
• Gold – Javier Koh (Bravery Taekwondo)

P20: Intellectual impairment – Poom belt, Age 4-14

• Gold – Ler Xin Yi Ann Schenley (K-Masters Taekwondo)
• Silver – Muhammad Amin Bin Ardi (K-Masters Taekwondo

P40: Physical impairment – Colour belt, Age 18 and older
• Gold – Tan Yee Shan Isabelle (Ngee Ann Polytechnic)

P50: Poomsae using assistive devices
• Gold – Marius Madsen (Global Taekwondo)

P60: Hearing impairment
• Gold – Whyra Juaanda Bin Anjas Asmara (Lighthouse School)
• Silver – Nur Kaiyishah Binte Mahathir (Lighthouse School)

The STF Para-Taekwondo Sub-committee led by Chairman Mr Michael Ho would also like to say a “Big Thank You” to all the officials, volunteers and sponsors who have contributed generously to make this event possible.

When speaking with Ms Schenley Ler and her father, Mr Stanley Ler, there aren’t many hints that Schenley might be a para-athlete. In fact, she and her father come off as any other typical father-daughter duo.

For instance, when Schenley competed recently, she felt both joyful and excited, though with a touch of nervousness. Behind the scenes, her father is like any other dad; he encourages Schenley to practice at least thirty minutes a day, from Monday to Friday – “if she forgets her patterns, she can just refer to YouTube” – and constantly reminds her to do her best and that she can do it.

The recent competition was STF’s first Para Taekwondo Poomsae Championship, where Schenley competed under P20 for intellectual impairment – and walked home with the gold medal.

Schenley’s father even gave a small tip on competition preparation. “There’s no secret recipe – just practice daily,” he said.

On top of being something she enjoys, taekwondo gives her the chance to keep “strong and healthy”, Schenley said.

“My coaches guide me to practice taekwondo patterns properly. My parents guide me at home. They support and correct me to help me improve,” she enthused.

According to Stanley, taekwondo has also helped Schenley in many positive ways, including improving fitness and enhancing her self-discipline, self-confidence, focus and concentration.

When it comes to training regimes, though, some things just need to be adapted to better suit Schenley’s impairment. For example, there would be times Stanley would only focus on areas that Schenley needs to improve in.

Other times, he would adjust the frequency of training sessions to match Schenley’s fitness level and schedule. He would also provide as much support as needed to help her progress effectively.

The STF Para Taekwondo Committee welcomes para-athletes to compete and it would continue to present such opportunity for more to experience the sports.