Taekwondo grandmaster Saberi Salleh dies

Taekwondo grandmaster and founder of the Global International Taekwondo Federation (GITF) Prof Datuk Dr Md Saberi Md Salleh passed away at the age of 72 at about 7.33 am today.

This was confirmed by the deceased's children, Shareen and Suzlan.

The late Saberi who was the first dean of the Faculty of Sports and Recreation Science, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) was reported to be in critical condition and was admitted to Shah Alam Hospital due to various complications in early May.

"We humbly request for your kindness to pray for my father to be placed among the people God loves," according to a brief statement from his family.

His remains will be taken to Surau Al-Amin Police Quarters Section 20, Shah Alam for funeral arrangements.

In 2006, he received the support of 32 member states to establish the GITF and became its president.

He was one of the non-Koreans who was personally trained by the late General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of taekwondo in the East Asian country and former president of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).

Saberi was also known as the founder of the Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation (MGTF) and the Sabree Taekwondo Academy and was the recipient of the 2008 International Hall of Fame Award from The World Head of Family Sokeship Council which only comprises martial arts exponents like Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris.

In January 2010, Saberi was awarded the 10th Level Black Belt and the title of Grandmaster (Grandmaster Chong Kwan Jang Nim) from the Song Do Kwan Kong Soo Doo Federation.

-- BERNAMA