Training partners are often the unsung heroes of sport, but they are the backbone of a team’s success at major tournaments.
This weekend some of Australia’s most exciting young talents will gain valuable international experience at the Indoor Sportcentrum in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Fourteen Aussie cadet and junior athletes will proudly fly the flag at the 49th edition of the Dutch Open, which runs from 14 to 16 October.
The cadet and junior events, which will feature 314 athletes from around the globe, will take place on 16 October.
Who’s flying the flag in Eindhoven?
Many of the Aussies vying for gold at the 2022 Dutch Open earned national selection at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre earlier this year. Further promising athletes have also made the trip.
*Denotes National Team athletes
Who’s coaching the national team athletes?
Ali Khalil (Head Coach) who is supported by Anita Tippet (Team Manager) and Ruth Hock (Coach), will be guiding the national teams.
A number of senior athletes who are attached to the NPC are also competing, including:
Supporting the team is Sadhbh Sweeney from One Taekwondo as a Coach, and Duncan Murray who is one of four doctors attending the tournament as medical officers.
A number of other Aussie coaches are attending the tournament including Mark Hitchen (One Taekwondo) and Tom Auger (Global Martial Arts)
What are the rules? What equipment will the athletes use?
Matches will be contested under WT Competition rules with PSS equipment and e-Helmets provided for all competition areas and divisions.
Only WT-recognised equipment is allowed: groin, forearm, shin, mouthpiece, Kp&P sensor socks and gloves will be brought by contestants, which is compulsory.
When are the fights?
Random weigh-ins will be held from 5:15 pm - 5:30 pm (AEDT)
The fights will run from 6:00 pm - 3:00 am (AEDT)
The finals will be held between 3:00 am - 4:00 am (AEDT)
Can I watch the fights?
Yes, you can watch the fights on MAREG TV’s youtube channel.
Training partners are often the unsung heroes of sport, but they are the backbone of a team’s success at major tournaments.
A strong Aussie contingent has touched down in Europe ahead of this month's Dutch and Belgium Open.
Penrith will welcome Australia's elite Taekwondo athletes later this month as they vie for selection on the Australian national team for the World Taekwondo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 29 - June 4, 2023.
