Maximum efficiency, extraordinary impact! Moldova clinched an impressive 9th place overall at the ITF Taekwon-Do World Cup in Turkistan, Kazakhstan — competing with a delegation of just four athletes against a field of 760 competitors from 25 nations.
The squad brought home two world titles: Ion Ilescu was crowned World Champion in tul (pattern execution) and earned a bronze medal in sparring, while Marika Ilescu took the World Champion title in tul. Mihaela Bot claimed the World Vice-Champion title in tul after a fierce final against athletes from Korea — the birthplace of Taekwon-Do — scoring 270 points under the new scoring system. Emanuel Ilescu also gained invaluable international experience. As international referee Teodor Rotaru highlighted, this remarkable achievement sets a strong foundation for upcoming challenges in Serbia, the European Championships, and the World Championships in Bulgaria!
