Vietnamese athletes top the world in taekwondo poomsae

Vietnam had 40 athletes and seven coaches at the event with silver medals as their target. But they did better than expected at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom.

In the first event of over-17 freestyle mixed team, Vietnam faced 14 rivals. After the elimination, eight qualified for the second round.

Vietnam's group of six athletes performed successfully to reach 8.680 points and place on top of the podium.

It was the first gold of Vietnam at the championship since 2016.

Mexico came second with 8,660 points. Italy and the Philippines shared the third place, respectively.

In addition to the gold, Vietnam also earned a bronze in the male junior team event. They ranked below athletes from the Republic of Korea and the US.

Head coach Nguyen Thanh Huy said it was a tough championship because the Republic of Korea, mother country of taekwondo, took part in all categories.

However, Vietnamese athletes had high chance for gold medals in the cadet discipline. For those in the junior discipline, athletes in the freestyle category would make the break. Meanwhile athletes in the U40 recognised class may also earn medals.

He said despite challenges, all athletes were asked to deliver their best for highest results.

The championships, the highest level of taekwondo competition in the world out of Olympic Game, featured a record number of 1,727 athletes from 77 countries and regions. The old record went to the Chinese Taipei edition with 1,274 competitors from 59 delegations in 2018.

The Hong Kong (China) event will continue until December 4.