P S Narayana Murthy, a black belt from London Taekwondo Academy, was posted by the company he was working to Singapore for a stint. He contacted the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) to see if he could have some training while he was here.

Arrangement was made for him to train at the National Training Centre (NTC) as it would be convenient for him.

On his first day, the student of Master Usman Dilddar reported for training with some trepidation. He was not sure what to expect but he soon found the warm hospitality extended by the coaches and players to him were simply unbelievable. It made him feel very much like training among friends.

While he had no problem settling in, he found the humid and stifling weather a great challenge.

Mr Lim Teong Chin, General Manager of the STF, who made it possible for Murthy to train at the NTC observed him training one Sunday.

He said: “I am impressed by his passion for the sport and his humility. He is indeed a credit to his family, instructor and club.

“Murthy is always welcome to train in Singapore as he is a member of our taekwondo family.”

On returning to London on 25 June 2010, Murthy wrote: “I really enjoyed my training there and that was a wonderful experience I ever had in my life so far. Wherever I go in the world, whichever federation I visit in my life, I am sure this is one thing I can share about my training and experience in Singapore.”

It was the grandest celebration ever for the anniversary of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) which was founded in 1974.

More than one thousand and fifty people from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Singapore Sports Council, the Singapore National Olympic Council, the taekwondo fraternity and other friends of taekwondo attended the function which was organized on 19 June 2010 at Suntec Singapore Ballroom (1-3).

The road closure for the National Day Parade 2010 Rehearsal, which was held at the Padang, threatened to delay the start of the function. But as it turned out, the event commenced almost punctually at 7.35pm with the grand entrance of the VVIPs led by the guest of honor, HE Mr Oh Joon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and his charming wife.

After they settled down, Organizing Chairman Steven Soh gave a brief welcome speech followed by an address by STF President Milan Kwee.

Mr Kwee said that the STF was blessed with the unstinting support of many well-wishers.   As an example, he pointed out the generous donations of $15,000 each from Mr Kris Wiluan (President of Asean Taekwondo Federation, Patron of STF and Director of Inter-Premium Corporation Pte Ltd) and Mr Lawrence Leow (Patron of STF and Chairman & CEO of Crescendas Group).

He went on to thank His Excellency and all the distinguished guests for gracing the occasion. He also registered his appreciation to all advertisers, prize donors and all those who had made the event possible.

In his speech following Mr Kwee’s address, HE Mr Oh Joon said: “I look around this ballroom. It seems to me that every practitioner and friend of taekwondo in Singapore has turned out in full force here to celebrate yet another remarkable year of sporting achievement by the STF.”

He went on to congratulate the STF on its achievements in enhancing the image of the sport both within Singapore and internationally and compliment the organization for working so hard to broaden the appeal, improve the standards and raise the profile of taekwondo.

The program for the evening continued with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and recognition. The list of awardees is attached.

After the formalities, the mood changed with food, fun and drinks. There were lots of entertainment, games and prizes. For entertainment, besides a stunning demonstration by the National Demonstration Team, the national ‘kyorugi’ players showed that they ‘Got Other Talent’. While the girls impressed the audience with their dance routine, the boys brought the house down with their impression of the Michael Jackson and the Wonder Girls.

When it was time to go, some of the guests found it hard to leave. They enjoyed themselves so much that they wanted more.

Ronnie Yap from Induk Taekwondo said it best: “It was a well organized event. We were glad that we did not miss it.” He and his group indeed had a rollicking time and so had many others.

The STF had received numerous requests for the event to be held annually. To support the suggestion, William Ong from Bukit Timah CC said: “It gives us the opportunity to let our hair down, have fun and renew our friendship with fellow taekwondo members whom we have not met for a long time.”

More than 1,000 VVIPs, VIPs and taekwondo officials, exponents and well-wishers will be attending the Dinner & Dance which will be held on Saturday 19 June 2010 at Suntec Singapore Ballroom 1-3 at Level 2.

If you are attending the function, here is some information which may be useful to you.

• As a result of the National Day Parade Rehearsal, some roads leading to Suntec will be closed. Please see the attached for information on the alternative routes.
• All attendees are advised to leave early for the event to ensure punctuality.
• The best way to get to the Ballroom is to use the escalators at the Joaquim side.
• The event will start at 6.30pm with a cocktail reception.
• All attendees will be requested to be seated about 10 minutes before the start of the main event – that is at about 7.20pm.
• The VVIPs accompanied by STF President will make their entrance at 7.30pm.
• The Suntec International Convention Centre kitchen has been blessed by MUIS and the food served during the dinner will be Halal Chinese.

Have a rollicking time!

Patrick Tan Yong Chen, who chose to leave the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) on 6 September 2009, has re-joined the organization.

In his letter of 5 April 2010, Yong Chen apologized to the STF for ‘my actions and for any inconvenience caused’. He also stated that he applauded the organization’s efforts in promoting taekwondo and understood the need for affiliates to integrate and work together within the framework of the STF guidelines and policies.

The Management Committee considered his application for re-admission to the STF in its monthly meeting on 20 April 2010 and unanimously welcomed Yong Chen back into the fold.

In a meeting with STF officials, Yong Chen revealed that he was keen to support the various activities of the STF. And he looked forward to fielding a team for the next STF-organized or sanctioned championships.

The STF believes Yong Chen’s contribution will benefit the organization and looks forward to him holding a leadership position in one of its committees in the near future.

5 June 2010 was a red-letter day for Ethan Wong Kiaxu. It was the day he collected his Special Achievement Award at the 8^th Dyslexia Association of Singapore Graduation & Achievement Awards Ceremony 2010.

Ethan was recognized for his outstanding level of commitment and a strong determination to succeed in sport. And succeed he did in taekwondo, a sport he not only loved but also excel. He is a 1^st poom belt holder and emerged tops in his belt category for two consecutive years in the National Poomsae Competition.

The Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) student is one of the three recipients for the award.

Ms Ho Peng, Director-General of the Ministry of Education and the Guest of Honour for the event, presented the awards.

His parents, William and Michelle  together with his 2 brothers, were present to share his joy.

Congratulations, Ethan!