PETALING JAYA: After years of internal turmoil, Taekwondo Malaysia (TM), the umbrella body set up to replace the Malaysian Taekwondo Association (MTA) in 2010, are looking to restore the image of the sport in the country.

TM will no longer let problems continue to hinder the development of the sport in the country, which at one point was capable of challenging for honours at international level.

And for a start, TM are targeting to send two exponents for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.

The standards of the sport slipped after the previous MTA were de-registered by the Sports Commissioner in 2005.

Malaysia failed to win a medal at the Asian Games for the first time in Guangzhou two years ago and had a humiliating outing at the Indonesia SEA Games last year when the team failed to deliver a single gold for the first time.

“We are already making plans for the Rio Olympics,” said director of coaching Moi Chee Keong.

“Our aim is to have two exponents in Rio. We used to be among the strongest teams in the sport.

“Since taekwondo was accepted into the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, we never failed to send at least one participant.

“We managed to put two exponents for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing through Elaine (Teo) and Che Chew Chan.

“Unfortunately, we did not have any representative in London last year. I believe the target of two exponents in Rio is realistic and we will work towards that,” he said.

Chee Keong added that TM would go talent scouting for 12 new faces to revive the elite squad.

“At the moment, we only have one exponent (Ryan Chong) in the squad. We will identify the exponents through local competitions like the national championships and Sukma (Malaysia Games).

“Our main goal this year is to redeem our disappointing outing at the last SEA Games in Indonesia.

“We want to win two gold medals. The National Sports Council (NSC) only set a one gold target. But, personally, I believe we should try to bring home two golds,” said Chee Keong.

• Please wait.

• Cooper headlines Wallabies auditions in Super Rugby
• America's Cup makes changes to improve safety following death
• Wasps wing Wade scoops award double
• Only Nicol David left to fly Malaysian flag
• Youngster Rahul getting to terms with racing in Formula 4
• Dane Jorgensen’s wish is to avoid Chinese ace Lin Dan in World Championships
• Jazeman ready to lap it up in his first run at Monaco
• Jindapon aims to qualify for 2016 Olympics
• Kelly heads into final round with one-stroke lead
• Squash group on final push for Olympic bid