Mrs. Arab-Ameri how do you evaluate the women’s national taekwondo team?

I am satisfied; we are in a good condition. Although our main target to gain the qualifications for Beijing Olympic 2008 was Vietnam games, we are in a better shape compare to Manchester games. Both our technique and skills are improved and also we are competing in an easier field.

Do you promise any medals?

Not at all, I am only hopeful.

Don’t you think this is an evidence of our team’s weaknesses?

It is not as simple as that. We have tried our best and if it is only up to us we are determined to go to Olympics. There are many factors such as the referees and the situation of the host camp. I do not have control over many factors, so I won’t promise.

How does Sohaila Sayahi fit into the team? Also how is Sarah Khoshjamal-Fekry doing?

Sayahi is very capable. Of course she is not experienced but she works very hard. She will compete in the third weight and that increases her speed. Khoshjamal-Fekry has a harder job compare to Sayahi. Her opponants are stronger. We are hoping for a good luck in terms of who she should play with.

There is a wave of criticism about women’s taekwondo team; what do you say about that? And do you think it is possible for us to become a propounded team in Asia?

Unfortunately, criticisms will continue until we get qualified for the Olympics. Of course it was always like this; everyone expects to get good results when working hard. I believe we need to add a very good coach to our team. If we do that in the next five years we might become to Asia’s second level teams. We need to move fast and steady.