According to the latest ranking established by the International Taekwondo Federation, Mauritian Sheldon Yan Too Sang, 31, is ranked 16th in the world (out of more than 200 athletes) in poomsae. And this, in the under-40 category. The athlete’s ranking should lead decision-makers to let him take part in the World Poomsae Championships which will take place from November 30 to December 4 at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowlun.
Gold medalist in poomsae at the 2023 IOG in Madagascar in the U40 category, Sheldon Yan Too Sang also brought honour to the country this year, winning gold in March at the African Games in Accra. It was his gold medal in Ghana that earned him a world ranking of 16th in poomsae in the same age category. This result earned him 40 points. To date, the first place belongs to the American Minki Seong with 145.69 points.
Sheldon Yan Too Sang’s ranking is proof that the Mauritian is among the best in the world. In this context, Grand Master Sylvestre Yan Too Sang, 8th Dan in taekwondo, tells us that his son Sheldon is preparing for the Poomsae World Championships to be held in Hong Kong at the end of the year. “Sheldon is actively training for the Poomsae World Championships. Towards the end of July and beginning of August, he trained in South Korea with four other Mauritians (Editor’s note: Angeli Hung, Annejulie César, Ibrahim Wazeerkhan and Suri Kang). For their preparation, they spent a week at the prestigious TS Academy (local leader in taekwondo), then four days at Kiung Hee University before going to another taekwondo club in Seoul.”says Sylvestre Yan Too Sang. The latter confirmed that his son’s trip to South Korea was part of his preparation for the World Championships. However, nothing has yet been officially decided regarding the athlete’s participation in this event. “It will be up to the Mauritius Taekwondo Federation to decide whether to send him there or not.”he said.
Sheldon Yan Too Sang during training at the Taekwondo Sports Club in Rose-Hill.
On this subject, Grand Master Mario Hung Wai Wing, pioneer of the discipline in Mauritius, provides some clarification. “I have already met with the sports director. Since Sheldon Yan Too Sang won the gold medal at the African Games in Accra, I proposed to the sports ministry that this athlete be sent to the World Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong.”says Mario Hung Wai Wing who is positive about the taekwondo athlete representing the country at these World Championships. “Sheldon Yan Too Sang’s ranking is a good sign for Mauritian taekwondo. His participation in the Poomsae World Championships could only further motivate young people to practice this discipline.”he adds proudly.
