Excerpts from Nurmijärvi for first timers and connoisseurs

In Nurmijärvi, the historically large taekwondo competitions on a Finnish scale took place on April 16, when 456 competitors sought the brightest medals. The big teams from Sweden and Estonia had also set out to measure their Finnish rivals. So sweet victories, bitter defeats, moments of joy, exciting plays and unique experiences fit into the day of each player and team. The 20-member team of taekwondo athletes made no exception here.

This time there were quite a few first timers. Atte and Essi Kortelainen, Kian Nowrouzi, Teemu Takala, Oskari Vepsä and Venne Viitaniemi all had their first contact with the national competition mats, but all had to admit that their opponent was better this time. However, the losses were few and the state of alertness was found perfectly in the shorter than usual matches. Among the adult enthusiasts, Risto Hyvärinen was also at the national championships for the first time and took a tasty victory in his opening match. In the final, however, the opponent drew a longer stroke, so Risto took home the silver.

Of the athletes who have already toured several games, the one I remember best was Sofia Sarala's extremely tight final match victory in the overtime. In Sofia's match, movement, kicking power and timing fell into place, and with this recipe, Sofia cooked herself a gold medal. The tight struggles of Janika Tati and Laura Orjasniemi also promise good things for the upcoming games.

The cadet series were tough as usual, but the Taekwondo athletes met the challenge in style. Bright spots were e.g. Hannes Tolonen's great opening win over his Swedish opponent and Plum Kopisto's two overwhelming wins, which paved the way to the final. Eddie Quinones cleared the table with a stylish performance in his own series, as did Aino Kortelainen. Sara Quinones' tactical and precise match won two silver medals. Ali Pirveisi, on the other hand, won his first match in show style, but had to bow out in the final after an even match to Salon's Oskari Koskinen.

Taekwondo athletes congratulate the medalists. See you in training!

Listed below are the rankings of all competitors:

• Risto Hyvärinen H1M +80kg 2.
• Atte Kortelainen D2 -45kg 5.-8.
• Essi Kortelainen C2 -52kg 5.-8.
• Aleksi Koskelainen D2 -45kg 5.-8.
• Kian Nowrouzi D2 -40kg 9.-16.
• Laura Orjasniemi C2-36kg 5.-8.
• Sofia Sarala D1 -28kg 1.
• Teemu Takala E1 -34kg 5.-8.
• Janika Tatti D1 -34kg 3.
• Janika Tatti C2 -36kg 3.
• Oskari Vepsä D2 -30kg 9.-16.
• Jenny Vettenniemi D1 -28kg 3.
• Venne Viitaniemi D2 -30kg 9.-16.
• Aino Kortelainen D1 -34kg 3.
• Aino Kortelainen C1 -28kg 1.
• Plum Kopisto C1 -41kg 2.
• Luca Leskinen C1 -33kg 3.
• Ali Pirveisi C1 -49kg 2.
• Eddie Quinones C1 -57kg 1.
• Sara Quinones C1 -33kg 2.
• Sara Quinones C1 -37kg 2.
• Hannes Tolonen C1 -45kg 3.
• Bardia Mirzaei B1 -68kg 5.-8.