NATIONAL taekwondo poomsae coach Yap Yih Tiing believes his charges need more experience on the big stage if they are to live up to their potential.
Yih Tiing admitted that his inexperienced exponents were affected by nerves at the recent Philippines Sea Games.
The poomsae squad achieved their target of winning at least one gold in Manila via Jason Loo and Nurul Hidayah Karim in the mixed pair (recognised) event as well as two bronze through Augustine Rudy Grocer (men’s individual recognised) and the men’s team event (Augustine, Jason, Yong Jin Kun).
An injury suffered by Asian Open gold medallist Sara Yap (women’s individual recognised) before the Games hampered their chances of a second gold.
“We were hoping for two gold. Unfortunately, Sara was carrying a grade three hip injury going into the tournament,” said Yih Tiing after the Sea Games’ post mortem meeting in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
“Our inexperienced exponents were not able to cope with the grand environment. They were not used to having a (television) camera following them around.
“We need more exposure in high-level competitions such as the Sea Games and also need regular training stints abroad. Previously, we had only trained in Malaysia.
“Our exponents can perform well in the warm-up and practice at a competition venue but when the actual event starts they cannot perform.
“The trend now (in international poomsae) is to have louder music and more lighting.”
Yih Tiing hopes his exponents will be able to compete in six international competitions this year.
“Last year, we only went for three international meets before the Sea Games and that was not enough,” said Yih Tiing.
“We have requested for six this year as well as a training camp abroad, likely in South Korea as there are many good centres there.
“These plans have not been confirmed yet. We still have to discuss this with the National Sports Council.”
The squad’s major assignments this year are the Asian Championships in Lebanon in March and the World Championships in Denmark in May.
They are targeting medals in both competitions.