The Taekwondo World Games Korea 2023 are just around the corner, and the belgium team is in full preparation to compete in this exciting international event that will take place in South Korea.
The ITF sports team interviewed some members of the team in the run-up to the tournament,
Konstantin Dittrich – Coach
▪️ How does your country reach this International competition?
“We are arriving at different times throughout this past week.”
▪️ How was the previous planning, with previous competitions, physical/sports preparation?
“Throughout the last year the competitors have participated in at least 5 competitions to prepare for this event! The final preparations were in a summer camp with Sabum Tom van de Sijpe.”
▪️ In which sports area is seen with more strengths Break/Fight/patterns) and that individual competitor or country sees as an adversary to respect?
“Our strengths are definitely in sparring. I expect some medals in the colour belt competition. Unfortunately Dylan Brandt got injured a few days ago, so he won’t compete in sparring but I have high hopes for the specials, on a good day he will compete for 🥇. Black belt competition is never easy to predict the outcome. The performance will depend on the day, I hope we can put Belgium on the map!”
▪️ What message do you have for your team before entering the competition?
“My message to our team: I am excited for our team, especially the colour belts to make their debut on the biggest stage in our federation. The hard work will pay off. Vive la Belgique!”
Cem Coban – Competitor
▪️ How was the preparation for World Games Korea 2023?
“We had a very heavy preparation for the world games, as soon as we got the heads up we started to train a lot. My busabum made sure we had the perfect training schedule prepared. We didn’t had a lot of facilities at our possession to use but we made it work, We had a trainingcamp for one week, we got invited by other clubs from belgium who supported us. Mostly we trained in my garage at home during weekdays in the evening where we spended most of our time doing drills, power training and stretching. Also tuls but that was rather difficult because the space wasn’t that big. Overall still a beautiful preparation for the games!”
▪️ In what categories does he compete and with what expectation does he reach the competition?
“I will compete as a green belt in both tuls and sparring. And offcourse I’m competitive so obviously I want to take the gold back to belgium for our country and club. And make them proud of our accomplishments because if I win something it’s a team win.”
▪️ What countries do you see as favorites in the championship?
“i see Argentina, Netherlands,Ireland,Kyrgyzstan one of the big favorites their work ethic from what I see is amazing. Also I think we need to watch an eye on Congo, a small group but I think they gonna amaze us.”
▪️ Do you have some kind of special preparation before competition day?
“Our preparation will be, keeping our pace and condition on point by running daily, keep that healthy food in line and most of all enjoy our time in the amazing city of seoul. For the rest the team is mentally strong and ready for the games!”
Michael Dittrich – Umpire
▪️ With what expectation comes World Games 2023?
“I am exited to come the first time to the home country of Taekwon-Do.”
▪️ What motivates you to be present as an Umpire in International Competitions?
“Being an umpire means that you are right in the middle of the competition and contribute with your work positively to the TKD community.”
▪️ Any special messages to competitors who will be present in Korea?
“Be fair to your fellow competitors and respect the rules , and enjoy being in Korea.”