National taekwondo pride Muhammad Abrar bin Haji Bakar @ Muhammad Bisyukri will be chasing for more milestones at the much-prestigious 7th World Taekwondo (WT) G3 President’s Cup – Asian Region held from April 23-24 in Taian, China.
Abrar, one of Brunei’s most promising Kyorugi (sparring) athletes, is the sole Bruneian currently listed in the World Taekwondo Rankings – a feat that sets him apart on the global stage.
Fresh off a quarter-final finish at the Kasad 6th Asian Open Taekwondo G2 in Indonesia last October, where he secured victories over athletes from Timor-Leste and Indonesia, Abrar enters the WT G3-level event in China with renewed determination to bring home a medal for country, family and himself.
He has a podium finish in the regional scene to his name just last August when he clinched a bronze medal at the SUKMA Games in Kuching, marking Brunei’s first medal in taekwondo sparring since 2016 when Izzat Sofian last earned bronze.
His success has broken a long drought and reignited national hopes in the sport, which remains of high interest and popularity among Bruneians especially the younger generation and children.
Over the years, Abrar has shown consistent growth and resilience, collecting accolades across Asia.
A consecutive gold medallist at the Korean Ambassador Cups from 2022 to 2024 these shores, Abrar has also secured silver at the Shinsung University President’s Cup International Taekwondo Championship in South Korea in 2022.
He is also a bronze medallist at the International Taekwondo Culture Championship 2022 in Taekwondowon, South Korea; a bronze medallist at the 16th ASEAN Taekwondo Championship 2023 in the Philippines; as well as gold medals at the 12th Labuan Open Taekwondo Championship 2023 and the 2nd North Borneo Open 2023 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Abrar’s journey and success reflect his outstanding discipline, unwavering perseverance and goal for Taekwondo.
His development as an athlete continues to flourish under the mentorship of Vice President and Head of National Coach Master Nikman Waie, Vice President Haji Ismadey bin Haji Hussin and National Kyorugi Coach Park Sang Jin, whose has played a vital role in shaping his competitive edge and determination.
The Brunei Darussalam Taekwondo Association (BDTA) stands behind Muhammad Abrar as he embarks on the journey.
Meanwhile, BDTA also extended their appreciation to the Youth and Sports Department for their support and close rapport.
The shared vision and commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening the foundation of taekwondo in the country have been instrumental in the sport’s development and in empowering athletes like Abrar to compete on the international stage. – Fadhil Yunus
