Coach-athlete feud casts a shadow over the future

Thai taekwondo exponent Rungrawee Kurasa’s decision to quit the national squad became the talk of the town when she claimed that she was physically assaulted by Choi following her disappointing 6-12 loss in the first round of the Korea Open in Gyeongju. 

The conflict made local headlines and generated huge feedback on social networks.

Rumours started doing the rounds that there was an “undercurrent” to the scandal, with someone reportedly backing her up in an effort to discredit the Thai taekwondo body and Choi in particular. It was said that the “someone” was likely from g the staff coaches who tried to delay Rungrawee’s preparation for the women’s 62-kilogram contest, which finally resulted in the humiliating loss.

Association vice president Pricha Tortrakul has revealed that Rungrawee was an exponent from the RDC Club run by Pitak Pookphan and in recent years Pitak appeared to view things differently from what the association had agreed on. Last year, he requested in an annual report to get the Korean coach out, Pricha said. However, Choi remains with the association. 

Rungrawee, the first exponent to return from South Korea, appeared with her parents in an evening TV news discussion programme, saying she would never give up despite what Choi had done to her. She asked the audience what they would do if their daughters sustained injuries in such an assault case. Her father Wallop said a compromise was possible only if the Korean coach apologises to his daughter before the media.

The 23-year-old bronze medallist at this year’s Asian Championship in Uzbekistan spoke about the serious injuries she had suffered after allegedly being beaten up by Choi. Her interview in the TV programme was followed by strong criticism, condemnation and insults in social networks against her.

Some suggested that Rungrawee should call it a day and allow the devoted Korean coach to come back for the sake of Thai taekwondo’s future. Others accused her of trying to tarnish the name of the association and disparage its coach, saying that discipline is a basic requirement for a national athlete and an indisciplined athlete like her should leave the national camp.

Yaowapa “Nong View” Boorapolchai, the very first Thai to win a medal in the Olympics, commented on her Facebook page that Choi is very dedicated. 

“He is the coach behind the great success of many Thai exponents, including me. Under his guidance, I admit that our training stints were very, very hard. We suffered pain, sometimes even injuries. We knew we trained hard because coach Choi badly wanted us to succeed. 

“Credit for Thailand’s success in major international events goes to coach Choi. Without him, Thai taekwondo wouldn’t have come this far. Rungrawee has to ask herself if she deserves to be a national athlete.”

Due to the scandal, Choi has decided not to return to Thailand. Chatchawal Khawlaor, a staff coach accompanying the Thai squad to the Korea Open, said the coach felt depressed and wept sadly. 

Association president Pimol Srivikorn admitted that without Choi, Thailand’s performances might be down in the dumps. He asked Pricha to fly to Korea immediately to coax the coach to return.