KUALA TERENGGANU: Nur Zara Habib Haniya Mohd Haizal served a surprise by winning a gold medal at the virtual Asian Poomsae Championships, hosted by South Korea, on Friday.
The 11-year-old, who trains under the Teguh Taekwondo Club (TTC) here, garnered 7,350 points to top the Under-12 event, followed by China's Zhang Jia Yi (7,184 points) and Zhang Jin Tu (7,083).
"It is a meaningful win, especially after winning a bronze at the recent World Championships.
"I want to train harder as I hope to record more podium finishes next year," said the student of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sultan Sulaiman, here.
Compatriot Nur Syifa Dania Kamarulzaman, 12, who hails from Marang, made the semi-finals of the same event.
TTC coach Mohd Salihin Siew Hin Abdullah said Nur Zara and Nur Syifa have the potential to go far in the sport.
"In the virtual meet, Nur Zara beat 600 other exponents from 60 countries to win the gold medal.
"Eight of our exponents were also dominant in the recent National Championships by winning a title each.
"With 5,000 trainees, TTC are one of the biggest taekwondo clubs in the country. As a recognition, TTC get invites to participate in local and international meets," he said.