Taekwondo will make its bow in these Games today and Malta was immediately hit by bad luck as one of its two competitors, Stephen Formosa, suffered an injury during training on Wednesday and may have to miss today’s event.

Meanwhile, Neville Desira was luckier as he received a bye in the first round, of the -68kg category meaning that if he wins the qualifying match, he will get to the podium as he will be in the final, fighting for the gold or silver.

The president of the Malta Association said yesterday they were hugely disappointed that their debut was marred by Formosa’s groin injury. “We do not know yet whether he will be able to make it. Dr John Buhagiar is providing the necessary treatment and we are just keeping our fingers crossed that he will be declared fit. The medical adviser will only be taking a final decision this morning.

Fomosa said the injury was a big setback for him. He added: “I am very disappointed as there is still a big question mark over whether I will be able to participate. We had been waiting anxiously for the sport’s introduction at these Games and, of course, my debut as well.

“Dr Buhagiar is looking after me meticulously and he is still hopeful that I will be able to make it. But he made it clear that my participation depended on my condition tomorrow morning when a final decision is to be made,” he said yesterday.

Formosa said he would be over the moon were he to be declared fit. “It would be a great joy for me even if I had to take part in just one fight. It would be a double disappointment if I also had to miss out in the inaugural tournament of this sport in these Games.