Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - TheVietnamese taekwondo team failed to hit its targets at the last twoSoutheast Asian Games, but the team is ready to shine again at this year'sGames in the Philippines.

This year, Vietnam has set a target ofwinning three golds, one in kyorugi (combat) and two in the poomsae(performance) categories.

There are 14 weight categories for bothmen and women in kyorugi, but each country can only take part in 10.

With the absence of world silvermedalist Truong Thi Kim Tuyen who is set to compete in an Olympicqualifier in Russia, the 10-member team is relying on formerchampion Pham Thi Thu Hien, who won the title in 2013 in Myanmar, and tooksilver at last Games in Malaysia.

“There are 10 categories but Hien isour best bet in the 62kg category. Our other female athletes are not as strongas Thailand,” said coach Le Huynh Chau.

“The Thais and the hosts are alsopowerful in the male categories while our fighters are still young andlack experience,” he said.

There will be eight poomsae events,with each team competing in six.

Chau Tuyet Van said shewas excited about the mixed team’s freestyle event, a new addition atthe SEA Games

“I have been training andcompeting for the last seven years and have won regional, continental and worldtitles,” said Van, who won gold at the last Games in the women’s teamevent.

“I think the Philippines will be ourmain challenge. However, we have beaten them away at the Southeast AsianChampionships. I believe my experience and hard work with my youngteammates will help us to win gold,” said the three-time SEA Games winner.

The other title the teamis targeting is in the women’s freestyle team event, who justwon gold at the World Cup in August.

“Thailand are good in the poomsaeevent, but we are strong in freestyle and we have dominated at mostinternational competitions. I think our two biggest rivals are Thailand and thehosts, who just revealed they plan to win five out of eight titles,” saidcoach Nguyen Thanh Huy.

“In poomsae, the judgesgive points for the athletes, but their decisions are sometimesbiased. Many competitors from Viet Nam and elsewherewere disappointed by decisions in previous Games. We have to compete welland perfect our performances,” he said.

Taekwondo will be held from December7-9 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila./.