Chang Jui-en Wins Taekwondo Gold at NIAG, Aims for Consecutive Asian Games Debut

Chang Jui-en, a talented Taekwondo athlete from National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), dominated the women's 62kg category to win gold at the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games (NIAG) today. Moving forward, she will challenge the Asian Championships and hopes to emerge from the Nagoya Asian Games domestic selection, aiming to represent the national team for the second consecutive time.

The 115th NIAG kicked off at National Central University in Taoyuan. In the gold medal match, Chang completely controlled the fight, defeating Chu Man-lin from National Taiwan Sport University with scores of 10-0 and 4-0. This marks the third NIAG gold of her career.

Speaking to the media after the match, Chang mentioned that she had gone four months without competition since the start of the season, focusing instead on the Asian Championship selection held earlier this month. She successfully defeated Olympic bronze medalist Lo Chia-ling to secure her spot on the national team. Following a fruitful training stint in South Korea, she entered the NIAG confident that she could stand on the podium if she performed as expected.

Due to weight class reductions at the Nagoya Asian Games, the domestic selection process has become more complex. Athletes must first prove themselves at the Asian Championships to earn an Asian Games ticket, then compete in domestic trials. Chang, who had previously missed out on a spot, was given a 'repechage' or second-chance opportunity.

Chang admitted her mindset had relaxed after initially missing the national team, but the news of a second chance after the Lunar New Year brought mixed emotions. 'I was worried about losing again after wanting it so much, but I've adjusted my mindset to simply doing my best in every match, as the Asian Games are very important to me.' Now a senior, Chang remains confident and balanced, stating that while she has tasted both victory and defeat, she now focuses more on the process than the final outcome.