Karim Dighou was encouraged by what he saw at the National Championships ©Australian Taekwondo

Australian Taekwondo coaching director Karim Dighou believes that "great improvements" can be made to the sport in the country.

Dighou was speaking after watching the 2017 Australian National Championships in Bendigo last month.

"There is a lot of talent, no question," Dighou said.

"The passion and commitment is definitely there, I can see that the level can go higher.

"With more competitions over time we have more chance to produce top players.

"If we can all work together we can make great improvements.

Safwan Khalil reached the quarter finals in his class at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images
Safwan Khalil reached the quarter finals in his class at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

"There is a lot of talent, if the coaches share their wisdom everyone improves.

"If the athletes share their experience everyone improves and if all of our elite athletes compete in Nationals next year the competition standard will be even higher."

Safwan Khalil was Australia's most successful taekwondo player at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

He reached the quarter-finals of the under-58 kilograms event, where he was beaten by Tawin Hanprab of Thailand.