The Oryx Taekwondo UAE Team delivered an impressive performance at the 7th Heroes International Taekwondo Championship, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 10 to 12, 2024. Competing against athletes from over 20 countries, the team brought home a remarkable haul of medals, showcasing their skill and dedication on an international stage.
Mary Ann Lopez, the head of the team, shared her thoughts on the challenging yet rewarding experience.
“Our experience at the recent 7th Heroes Taekwondo International Championship in Thailand was both challenging and rewarding. As the head of the team, I witnessed firsthand the mix of emotions our athletes experienced, especially when they saw the skill level and confidence of the over 3,000 participants from various countries.”
The competition proved to be a test of resilience for the athletes.
“Motivating the team was crucial. Initially, many of our athletes seemed overwhelmed and almost lost hope, particularly during warm-ups when the pressure of the competition began to sink in,” Lopez explained with The Global Filipino Magazine.
“However, with persistent encouragement and the unwavering support of parents and fellow coaches, we managed to boost their spirits and confidence.”
In the Kyorugi category, the team secured 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals, demonstrating their prowess in sparring. The team also excelled in Poomsae, earning 1 Gold, 3 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals in the traditional form category.
“I am proud to share that we brought home a total of 22 medals in Kyorugi and Poomsae events: 3 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze, representing the United Arab Emirates with pride,” Lopez proudly stated.
The competition, which attracted Taekwondo athletes of all ages from around the world, featured a diverse range of events, including Kyorugi, Poomsae, Poomsae Freestyle, and Taekwondo Dance. This comprehensive showcase of talent made the team’s achievements even more commendable.
“The experience we gained from this high-level competition will undoubtedly be valuable in our future endeavors,” Lopez added.
Founded in 2017, the Oryx Taekwondo Club in Abu Dhabi is a Filipino-founded martial arts organization dedicated to empowering Filipino youth through Taekwondo. The club has grown into a respected training center, emphasizing discipline, self-confidence, cultural appreciation, and teamwork. Their success at the 7th Heroes International Taekwondo Championship is a testament to their commitment to both athletic and personal growth.
Looking ahead, Lopez mentioned the team’s next challenge: “Now back in the UAE, our athletes are more motivated than ever, eagerly preparing for our next challenge—the RAK Open. This competition will present a new level of difficulty, especially as our color belt players will face opponents of varying levels, including black belts.”
She concluded by expressing her gratitude for the team’s supporters: “We are committed to instilling confidence and a competitive spirit in our players, encouraging them to embrace every challenge. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the athletes, coaches, parents, the United Taekwondo Federation (UTF), the PTA, and our former coaches for their unwavering support. Their contributions were instrumental in our team’s success, and together, we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in the future.”
The support of the parents and the entire Oryx jins community played a crucial role in this outstanding achievement, further solidifying the club’s reputation as a leader in Taekwondo excellence.