ITL’s Poomsae squad delivered a standout performance at the online 5th TaeKangWon International Poomsae Championships, collecting nine gold medals and two bronze across multiple categories and age groups. Remarkably, with just five athletes competing, ITL finished 5th out of 36 teams overall, underscoring both depth and efficiency.
There was further success on the sand as, for the second time, ITL placed 1st in the Beach Poomsae series, claiming the overall trophy in that specialist strand. In the national classification, Malta, represented by the ITL contingent, placed 7th of 36.
The medal tally highlighted the spread of talent across the team. Coach Jovo Mirkovic set the standard with three golds and one bronze, while Aliyah Labay secured two golds and a bronze. Noah Barbara added another gold, Alyanna De Leon picked up two golds, and Angelina Hladenova also struck gold, ensuring every team member contributed to the overall medal count.
Competing fields were sizeable, yet ITL’s five-strong line-up consistently reached the top of their divisions. Multiple-event entries paid off, with senior coach-athlete Mirkovic leading by example and the juniors converting strong technical showings into podium finishes.
Poomsae, taekwondo’s patterns discipline, rewards technical precision, rhythm and power execution. Judges assess stances, timing, balance and expression of energy. The online format demands additional consistency, as athletes perform under camera with little margin for error. ITL’s results across both traditional and beach categories point to robust fundamentals and a well-drilled preparation cycle.
With the Beach Poomsae crown retained and a top-five team finish secured against a 36-team field, ITL’s programme continues to trend upwards. The coaching staff are now expected to target further international starts in the coming months, leveraging the momentum from this meet to broaden competitive exposure and rankings.
