Taekwondo Grandmaster V. Sivalingam Succumbs to COVID-19

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) grandmaster and former National Sports Institute (NSI) psychologist V. Sivalingam who had been battling COVID-19 has succumbed to the disease. He was 59 years old.

The triple gold medalist at the World Taekwondo Championships was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and he lost both physical and speaking abilities. According to Malay Mail , on August 6th, the grandmaster tested positive for COVID-19 and collapsed at home around 11pm. He was rushed to the hospital on the same day, sadly he lost his battle the next morning.

The 8th Dan taekwondo grandmaster had obtained a Bachelor in Sports Science and was certified as a well-trained Yoga master. The man was the pillar for the establishment of several taekwondo and yoga centres in the Klang Valley and was employed as a psychologist by the NSI (National Sports Institute), where he also taught yoga.

Throughout his journey in taekwondo, he also won in 1990 (Montreal, Canada), 1992 (Pyongyang, North Korea) and 1994 (Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia).

His death marks a great loss to our sports industry. May your soul rest in peace master!