Taekwondo: Hava’i, age 9, stripped of Coupe de France due to attachment issue

Months of training and preparation go up in smoke for Hava’i, from AS Taputapuatea taekwondo club. On a small French cup march in Marseille, Friday 3. May, his participation was denied at the weigh-in despite being accredited a few days earlier.

“I prepared myself, I was going to run in the cold almost every day. I had to lose weight, when I got there I was told that I couldn’t weigh myself because I was disqualified for no reason (…) I was sad and cried“, confides the young sportswoman, currently in mainland France.

Still moved by this experience, she testifies with her parents. His father, Paraita Brothers, is also his trainer. “On May 1, 2024, we received the accreditations for the athlete and the coach as well. Which means that we have the agreement to participate in the Coupe de France, but upon arrival at the competition venue we tell him that no, it is not possible.“, says the father, who does not hide his disappointment.

The issue: a dispute between the two Polynesian federations. Hava’i belongs to the Polynesia Taekwondo Federation, a public service delegate. This delegation can send athletes to the Pacific Games. But only the Taekwondo League, affiliated with the French Federation, can participate in competitions in France.

“This is not a question I refused, it is a question you have to follow the rules. At any given time, I cannot allow an athlete who has not participated in our events to participate in the Coupe de France. It’s unfortunate for this athlete and I’m sorry, but at some point everyone has to follow the rules. If everyone does as they please, it is anarchy.“, says Myrthana Tiaoao, president of the Taekwondo League.

Without Hava’i on the tatami, Polynesia was not represented at this Coupe de France. Same problem in mid-April with two young athletes from a Faa’a club. The Confederation Wars are equal in boxing and fencing, with no prospect of a reunion at the moment.