The participant from Slovakia, a first-time participating country in the 2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Hanmadang (hereinafter referred to as the Hanmadang), achieved a meaningful result.

On the fourth day of the Hanmadang, Monday, July 29, Ivana Kyselova (born in 2005), the sole participant from Slovakia, won a bronze medal in the international Official Poomsae Senior I (Women) division.

Despite this being her first appearance, Kyselova showed her skills with confidence in the tournament which featured 31 participants. She advanced to the semifinal but ultimately finished in third place.

Thailand's Ornawee Srisahakij (born in 2000) won the gold medal with an impressive score of 8.283 points, while Ratchadawan Tapaenthong (born in 2005) from Thailand secured second place with 8.182 points.

Ivana Kyselova, the only participant from Slovakia, which attracted attention as a first-time participating country, was guided by Instructor Oh Hyung-geun, a Kukkiwon-dispatched Taekwondo instructor who has been working in Slovakia since 2022.

Despite the challenging financial conditions and the limited presence of Taekwondo in Slovakia, Instructor Oh was determined to provide his athlete with international competition experience. He sought assistance from Former President Lee Jong-ho of the Korean Association in Slovakia, which enabled Ivana Kyselova’s participation in Hanmadang.

Former President Lee, who also fully sponsored the expenses for two athletes and one coach for training in Korea in March, has been actively supporting the promotion of Taekwondo in Slovakia.

Ivana Kyselova commented, “Although it was my first time participating, I am proud that I was able to perform the poomsae I had prepared without feeling nervous. While poomsae is standardized, I tried to show my own style by putting my heart into each movement. I hope to participate in next year’s Hanmadang and achieve better results.”

In addition to Official Poomsae, Ivana Kyselova found the high-level Taekwondo gymnastics and integrated breaking performances at Hanmadang very interesting. She plans to use her experience at the Hanmadang to contribute to the development of Taekwondo in Slovakia.

Instructor Oh said, “I believe that participating in the Hanmadang this year is the first step towards the development of Taekwondo in Slovakia. This experience could lead to the establishment of various Taekwondo training programs for breaking, taekwondo gymnastics, and demonstrations. I will do my best to not only expand the quantity of Taekwondo practitioners but also to improve the quality of the martial art.”

Meanwhile, on the last day of the Hanmadang, July 30, the finals of the domestic team competition in the integrated senior division, known as the highlight of Hanmadang, will take place with eight teams competing for the top spot. The closing ceremony will be held at 2 PM.