KUCHING: Sarawak’s taekwondo fraternity is celebrating a proud achievement after promising athlete Iris Nur Irdina Mohd Yusof secured a place in the Malaysia national taekwondo poomsae team.
The 16-year-old was selected under Taekwondo Malaysia’s full-time centralised training programme following her outstanding performances at the recent National Taekwondo Championship, where top junior talents from across the country were assessed for national squad inclusion.
“We congratulate Iris on earning her place in the national team. This achievement reflects her dedication, discipline and determination throughout her journey in the sport,” said Persatuan Taekwondo Negeri Sarawak (TM/WT) president Azizul Annuar Adenan in a press statement today.
He said Iris will report to Bukit Jalil this weekend to commence full-time centralised training as she prepares to represent Malaysia in upcoming regional and international competitions.
Azizul described her selection as a proud moment not only for the athlete and her family, but also for the entire Sarawak taekwondo community that has supported her development over the years.
“Her hard work, passion and unwavering commitment have earned her a place in the national team. We are extremely proud of what she has achieved and believe she has the potential to excel at the highest level,” he added.
Iris first gained international recognition in 2018 when she won a gold medal in the poomsae event at the Kathmandu International Taekwondo Championship, establishing herself as one of Sarawak’s most promising young athletes.
Since then, she has consistently delivered strong performances, contributing numerous gold medals for Sarawak at Taekwondo Malaysia national championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025, while also excelling at international invitational tournaments in Nepal and Indonesia.
Azizul noted that Iris’s achievement reflects the effectiveness of the state’s athlete development programmes and the dedication shown by coaches, administrators and parents in nurturing sporting talent.
He expressed confidence that Iris would continue to raise Sarawak’s profile on the international stage and serve as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes throughout the state.
