The 2024 Guyana Taekwondo Championships held on November 11th at the Guyana Teacher’s Union Hall in Woolford Avenue was a night to remember, with athletes showcasing their fierce determination, flawless technique, and boundless energy in front of an electric audience. Hosted by the Guyana Taekwondo Association (GTA), the event brought together athletes from various ages and categories, all vying for glory in the disciplines of Kyorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms). From the youngest competitors to the seasoned veterans, the championships lived up to its promise of action-packed moments and unforgettable performances.

Poomsae Division Highlights: Drama and Precision
The evening began with the Poomsae division, where competitors executed intricate forms with precision and grace, earning high marks for both technique and presentation. The Cadet Boys category set the tone for the competition, as Nathan Vanderhyden and Vivek Bassoo delivered an intense, high-level performance. The two young athletes fought for the gold, but it was Vivek who ultimately claimed the top spot, with Nathan securing the silver in a well-deserved showing of skill.

The drama continued in the Mixed Cadet Girls 1 event, where Kailan Wong and Shyanne Sealey went head-to-head. Despite a valiant effort from Kailan, it was Shyanne who stole the show, winning the gold, while Kailan took the silver. The energy and excitement continued to build as the Mixed Cadet Girls 2 category delivered a stunning tie between Ameena Pereira and Eva Thakurdin. After a nail-biting tiebreaker, Ameena emerged victorious by a razor-thin 0.5-point margin, with Eva settling for silver.
In the Pre-Cadet Girls category, Azaria Profit dominated, putting on a flawless performance that earned her the gold, while Samaria Sealey fought hard for the silver. The Senior Male Poomsae event featured an intense battle of power and rhythm between Balram Dass and Rolex Alexander, with Balram narrowly edging out his opponent to take the gold.

Kyorugi Division: Heart-Stopping Action and Fierce Rivalries
The action hit fever pitch in the Kyorugi (sparring) division, where athletes went toe-to-toe in fast-paced and electrifying matches. The Cadet Girls division featured a fierce three-way battle between Eva Thakurdin, Ameena Pereira, and Kailan Wong. In a dramatic first-round match, Eva faced Ameena but was eliminated, allowing Ameena to meet Kailan in the finals. The final was a thrilling, back-and-forth contest, with both athletes delivering powerful and strategic kicks. After a nerve-wracking battle, Ameena claimed the gold, while Kailan secured silver, and Eva earned the bronze.
The Pre-Cadet Girls sparring event saw another fierce contest between Azaria Profit and Samaria Sealey. In a fast-paced bout filled with dynamic kicks and energy, Azaria triumphed, earning the gold, while Samaria claimed the silver.

The Senior Male category also featured another intense showdown between Balram and Rolex. After their Poomsae performance, the two athletes met again in the Kyorugi division, where Rolex claimed victory, taking the gold while Balram took the silver.
However, the most anticipated match of the evening came in the Cadet Boys division, where Nathan Vanderhyden and Vivek Bassoo squared off once more. Their earlier showdown in Poomsae set the stage for a thrilling rematch in the sparring ring, and they did not disappoint. The match was fast and furious, with both athletes demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy. In the end, it was Nathan who emerged victorious, claiming the gold in an epic battle that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Vivek settled for silver, but both young athletes earned widespread admiration for their determination and sportsmanship.

Tryouts: The Next Generation of Taekwondo Stars
The excitement didn’t end with the championships. A special tryout session took place, where up-and-coming athletes like Obediah Batson, Ace Springer, and Cianna Warren impressed coaches and fans alike with their raw talent and potential. Coaches were particularly taken by Obediah’s performance, and there is great anticipation for his future in the sport.

Acknowledging the Supporters
The success of the 2024 Taekwondo Championships would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. The GTA expressed its heartfelt thanks to the referees, coaches, donors, and event organizers who ensured everything ran smoothly, and most importantly, created an unforgettable atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
Join the Action
The GTA also reminded the public that Taekwondo classes are held every Monday and Wednesday from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM at the Guyana Teachers Union Hall on Woodford Avenue. For those interested in joining the sport, or simply learning more, Ms. Latoya is available at 670-2615 to provide more information.

The 2024 Guyana Taekwondo Championships were a stunning showcase of talent, grit, and the unwavering spirit of Taekwondo. As the sport continues to grow in Guyana, the GTA remains committed to fostering young talent, promoting healthy competition, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of Taekwondo. The best is yet to come, and with future events already on the horizon, the excitement is far from over!