(Asian Games) Taekwondo fighter proud of herself for winning gold with entertaining performance

By Joo Kyung-don

JAKARTA, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Even after she arrived in Indonesia, South Korean taekwondo fighter Lee Da-bin wasn't sure that she would win a gold medal at the 18th Asian Games. That's because she knew she wasn't at her best form after battling injuries.

"Honestly, I never thought I would get a gold in this year's Asian Games," Lee said. "I had injuries and it was so physically challenging for me to prepare for this event."

Lee changed her doubts to confidence. She defeated Deniz Cansel of Kazakhstan 27-21 in the women's over-67 kilogram division taekwondo "kyorugi" (sparring) final to grab a gold medal at the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games on Tuesday.

Lee said she was able to have full training only two weeks prior to her Asian Games campaign.

"I had injuries in my hamstring and hip," she said. "I couldn't train for months and was only able to train fully for two weeks."

This was Lee's second Asiad gold medal. She topped the Asian Games four years ago in the 62kg division, but this time, she decided to compete against heavier opponents.

"I wasn't sure whether I would be able to survive in this weight category," she said. "There are lots of powerful competitors in this weight division, so I had to do some workout. For the match, I had to take advantage of my pace and quickness."

Against Cansel, Lee thought she would get some easy points because she had beaten the Kazakh fighter three times before this Asian Games. But apparently, her lax approach made it hard for her to earn points against Cansel.

"Since I had enough experience against Cansel, I just the final would be easy," she said. "But Cansel really seemed prepared for the bout and I was wrong. I allowed too many points on her counterattacks."

The two fighters were especially aggressive in the second round. While Lee earned 13 points, Cansel had 10 points. It was a bout that was entertaining for fans, but physically challenging for the athletes.

"I'd be satisfied if fans enjoyed my bout," she said. "I heard that taekwondo is a boring sport, but I hope people can change their perspective after watching my performance. That's more important than winning a gold medal."

Lee said her next goal is to win a gold medal at the world championship and at the Tokyo Olympics. She hopes more people can enjoy her fight in the future.

"I'm a fighter who likes to score more points with aggressive skills," she said. "I like to earn points by moving close to the opponents and get points with my combination moves. I'll promise I'll work harder to become a better athlete."

kdon@yna.co.kr
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