Broome Taekwondo Club secures 28 medals at State Championships

The Broome Taekwondo Club returned to the Kimberley after a successful State Championships campaign that netted the club 28 medals.

The Australian Taekwondo Western Australian State Championships were held from July 2-3 at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre with clubs from across the State testing their skills.

The Broome Taekwondo Club sent a team of 14 to compete in the club’s second championship.

An action-packed first day of competition saw Broome come away with five gold, five silver and five bronze medals in traditional poomsae.

The second day had the athletes compete in sparring with Broome securing six gold, five silver and two bronze medals.

Brooke Santoro, Keegan Chappell, Neseni Amaratunga, Zach Babaran, Arun Sidharthan and Bennon Garande all took home gold medals in the sparring

Babaran easily outpointed his opponents to win both his fights, while Sidharthan had a massive challenge fighting someone 20kg heavier and came out on top after a-hard fought three-round match.

Garande had two tough matches and secured a come-from-behind win while Chappell and Amartunga easily outclassed their opponents.

Santoro showed plenty of heart in her win, losing the first round before rallying to take the next two and claim the gold.

Sidharthan also took out the gold medal in poomsae along with teammates, Valentine Garande, Luke Ross, Rob McGregor and Bec McGregor.

Josh and Nathan Bell both took silver medals in sparring, with Josh Bell also taking the silver medal in poomsae.