Taekwondo controversy is the thin end of the wedge
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The taekwondo controversy that gripped the entire nation last week could turn out to be the thin end of the wedge.
Rungrawee Khurasa, a bronze medallist in the 62kg category at the Asian Championships early this year, was the talk of the town when she alleged that she was physically assaulted by South Korean coach Choi Young-seok during the recent Korea Open.
She also showed off her alleged injuries from the assault.
The 23-year-old crashed out in the first round of the tournament in Gyeongju last Friday. Coaches, including Choi, attributed the loss to her lack of self-discipline and failing to properly prepare.
Upon her return to Thailand, Rungrawee appeared on TV to allege that the Korean coach responded to the loss by punching her stomach several times and also punching her face, causing her much pain.
She said she was calling it a day and would not represent the nation anymore.
Choi, who remained with the rest of the Thai contingent in South Korea, admitted that he punched her but only faintly in the stomach.
He insisted that it was not a serious punishment.
He said he has been coaching in the country for more than 10 years and knew Thai culture and etiquette very well.
“I know that punishing a woman, particularly physical abuse, is not acceptable in Thailand,” he said.
“How can I do that to Rungrawee? It was just a minor punishment. It was to remind her that as an exponent representing her country, she should be more self-disciplined and responsible,” Choi said on his Facebook fan page.
But Rungrawee said she would stand up against Choi for his “physical assault”.
The Korean coach, taken aback by the allegations, felt depressed and wept, according to fellow Thai taekwondo coach Chatchawal Khawlaor. Choi is believed to have said he would not return to Thailand.
With the scandal blowing up on its face, the Taekwondo Association of Thailand sank deeper into a mire.
TAT officials and former exponents such as Athens Games bronze medallist Yaowapa Boorapolchai scrambled to limit the damage and openly supported the coach.
They praised Choi, saying he was devoted to his cause and was the person responsible for the country’s success in international competitions.
They cited the three Olympic medals and three gold medals at world championships the country had won as proof of his work.
Without coach Choi, the future of Thai taekwondo will be bleak, they said.
They said Thailand’s chances in forthcoming tournaments, including the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, would not be high and asked whether Rungrawee would take responsibility if he turned his back on the country.
In the meantime, taekwondo watchers said it was just a “storm in the teacup” and Rungrawee made it appear as if “it was a big deal”. Her reaction and hasty interview against Choi led to her being attacked on social media.
A disciplinary committee began its investigation yesterday, but Rungrawee failed to show and sources said that Choi would return to Thailand today.
Let’s hope that behind the dark clouds is a silver lining.
