Thai Taekwondo Poomsae Championship Opens in Korat With Big Turnout
The Thailand Taekwondo Poomsae Championship opened in Nakhon Ratchasima with record participation, as over 900 athletes entered more than 2,000 bouts. Deputy Minister Thanutthit Raktabut highlighted the sport’s boom after the national team’s world and Asian Games successes, and confirmed national team members are allowed to compete. In the opening day’s highlight, world champion Thana ‘BM’ Kheawlaelit narrowly defeated Asian Games silver medalist Nawin Pintasu to win the men’s individual poomsae title.
The opening ceremony at Terminal 21 Korat’s fourth-floor hall was led by Vanitharat Bunsuppakit of the Government Housing Bank, alongside Deputy Minister Thanutthit Raktabut, Nakhon Ratchasima’s deputy governor Manas Suwannarin, and taekwondo association officials. Thanutthit said over 900 athletes registered for more than 2,000 bouts, up from 1,400 last year, prompting the organizers to extend the competition to four days. He credited the sport’s rising popularity to the national team’s recent haul of three world championship golds, three silvers, three bronzes, plus a silver and bronze at the Asian Games, and thanked sponsors including the Government Housing Bank, PTT, Singha, Coca‑Cola, Muang Thai Life Assurance and FBT. On the first day, the highlight match saw world champion Thana ‘BM’ Kheawlaelit edge out Asian Games silver medalist Nawin Pintasu in the men’s individual poomsae 18‑30 division, winning 18.266‑18.232 to claim the national title.
