MIRI: History was made in Miri as the city’s first group of Para Taekwondo practitioners earned their black belts, marking a major milestone for inclusive sport after four years of training and perseverance.
The athletes completed their Dan Promotion Test at PPDK Sunflower, becoming the first Para Taekwondo practitioners in Miri to achieve black belt status.
The grading was witnessed by Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Miri Taekwondo chairman Master Michael, PPDK Sunflower chairman Samson Bala and Miri Kim’s Taekwondo Grandmaster Kim, who has guided the athletes throughout their four-year journey.
Training twice a week, the candidates demonstrated dedication and discipline in reaching the milestone, reflecting the steady growth of Para Taekwondo in Miri.
Addressing the ceremony, Adam described the achievement as a proud moment for the city and proof that disability should never be a barrier to excellence. He said the graduates’ success would inspire more persons with disabilities to participate in sport and pursue their ambitions.
He also commended Grandmaster Kim and the coaching team for their commitment to developing the athletes and creating greater sporting opportunities for persons with disabilities.
In recognition of his support for the sport, Adam received an Honorary 5th Dan Certificate from Kukkiwon.
The promotion test also featured a demonstration of Virtual Reality (VR) Taekwondo Sparring, an emerging discipline that allows athletes to train and compete without physical contact.
Recognised as an official event at the Asian Games, VR Taekwondo is expected to be included in the programme for the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia. Its introduction in Miri offers a safer and more inclusive training environment while helping athletes build confidence and sharpen their technical skills through digital technology.
Adam said embracing innovations such as VR Taekwondo reflected Miri’s commitment to making sport more accessible and ensuring no one was left behind.
For the new black belt holders, the grading represented more than a martial arts qualification. It marked the culmination of years of hard work while opening a new chapter for Para Taekwondo in Miri.
