Looking at his small build, people would not expect him to be great at martial arts. However, just like the Malaysia bird’s eye chili, small but excessively spicy, meet our Taekwondo gold medalist, Muhammad Ezra Zulqarnain.
Ezra, now 8, started Taekwondo when he was 4 years old. In four years, he is now a blue belter. He attends practice session 2 times a week on the weekend. Additionally, he practices by himself when tournaments approaches.
His Attainments
Ezra has just started his fourth year at AIU International School in September 2023. In the three year period, he clenched quite a number of medals in Taekwondo for the school.
This year, he has earned gold medals from the following competitions:
- Kejohanan Tertutup Kelab Taekwondo RT yang Ke 5 & Kejohanan Seni Beladiri Taekwondo Antara Sekolah-Sekolah Pulau Pinang (1 gold)
- 10th AELMA Open Taekwondo Championship (2 golds)
He has also bagged home a silver medal from 6th Gewinn Malaysia Open Taekwondo Championship. This medal is earned in the Poomsae competition.
He also joined the Kyorugi competition during the championship. However, he fell sick prior to the competition. He is determined to follow but the sickness greatly affected his performance. Consequently, he did not manage to seize the medal as he targeted.
It is the biggest challenge in Ezra’s Taekwondo journey. Now, he is determined to work harder and get better accomplishment in Taekwondo.
Inspiring Junior Taekwondo Athletes
According to Ezra, he joined Taekwondo to grow up into a strong man who can protect his family. Additionally, his family gives unfaltering support towards his involvement in co-curricular activities; Taekwondo and archery.
We asked Ezra for advice to junior Taekwondo athletes. This is what he mentioned:
Never give up. Never back down.
Muhammad Ezra Zulqarnain
He explained that even when one faces a bigger opponent, one must not be discouraged and always to the best to succeed.
With his commitment, dedication and continuous support from family, teachers, coach and friends, we hope Ezra will gain more remarkable achievement in the future.