Myanmar Taekwondo Makes History at World Championships

December 12, 2024 (Glenview, IL)-For the first time ever, the little known country of Myanmar in southeast Asia, formerly known as Burma, made history at the 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships by capturing its very first medal at the prestigious event.  The event was held in Hong Kong earlier this month.

Not many people know the country itself, let alone in the Taekwondo world, but after this team’s display of courage, determination and skill set, the world certainly figured out very quickly who Myanmar is.

The journey to the world stage was extraordinary. Funded solely by donations and the financial contributions from National Head Coach, Master Ray Kyi of the United States, formerly of Myanmar, the six athletes of Myanmar were able to attend the World Championships for the very first time in the event’s long history. Getting to the world stage was no easy feat, as Myanmar continues to be plagued by political turmoil and uncertainty – but the resilience of these athletes and many more just like them- was on full display.

Day One: Making Their Mark

On the very first day of competition, eyes and heads were turning at the first athlete. Just barely 17 years old, the youngest athlete, Kaung Zin Khant of the under-30 division made it all the way to the round of 16 by beating Singapore and Costa Rica in the rounds of 64 and 32. He ended up losing to Vietnam in the round of 16 (quarter finals), but the statement had already been made. Myanmar was here, and they were ready. Additionally, Chan Myae Aung also competed on the first day  but was eliminated by the former and current World Champion athlete of China.

Day Two: Rising Stars

The second day of competition featured Nyo Min Lwin, a 17-year-old Freestyle Poomsae athlete, making his world competition stage debut. He ended up making it all the way to the semi-final rounds.

Day Three: Making History

The third day was one for the history books. Led by head coach Master Ray Kyi, the under-50 pair of San Shein Thet and Yamin K Khaing captured the country’s first ever medal by defeating former world champions from Taipei in a close match. This victory in the quarter-finals guaranteed them a medal. The pair ended up placing third, and taking home the bronze medal, after, eventually, losing to Denmark in the semi-final round. Even with the defeat, the history-making performance was enough to capture the hearts of all in attendance.

Final Day: Challenging Champions

The final day of competition saw the under-50 team compete with the athletes of San Shein Thet, Chan Myae Aung, and Thaw Zin Han. Drawing Korea in the very first round, the team came out strong and gave a valiant effort; losing to the current world champion Korean team by only 0.4.

After a successful showing at its first EVER World Championships, Team Myanmar was awarded the “Good Fighting Spirit” award by the World Taekwondo Federation (WT) during its closing ceremony of the games.

“I am so proud of these athletes and all they have overcome. This team will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will always remember what we did together and what we accomplished together. This is just the start, and I encourage all taekwondo athletes of Myanmar to keep going and keep working,”- Coach Master Ray.

-Story by Amanda Kyi and John Halliwell