FUJAIRAH, 10th May, 2025 (WAM) - Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships kicked off today. The Emirate of Fujairah is hosting the event with the participation of a distinguished group of young talents aged between 12 and 14, representing 93 countries from around the world.
The landmark event will feature participation from over 811 athletes representing 93 countries and will continue until May 14, in a global sporting atmosphere.
Yesterday, Friday, the council of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) held its meeting in the emirate to discuss the latest developments in the sport both technically and organisationally, as well as future plans to support players and enhance taekwondo's global presence.
Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, member of World Taekwondo, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, affirmed that hosting the championship in Fujairah aligns with the vision of the Crown Prince to elevate the emirate's status as a global sports destination.
Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of ITF, expressed his delight in selecting Fujairah to host this prestigious global event.
He praised the UAE's advanced infrastructure and unwavering support for sports, which makes it an ideal destination for major international tournaments.
He also noted that the Fujairah World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 is the largest of its kind globally in terms of participation, with over 800 male and female athletes.
Dr. Choue highlighted that this championship serves as a crucial platform for unearthing young talent and elevating taekwondo's global stature by bringing together diverse cultures through the power of sport.
Nader Abu Shawish, Tournament Director, stated: "We are immensely proud to host this prestigious event, which represents a significant milestone for both our local sporting community and the wider taekwondo world.
"This championship offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for our young Emirati athletes to test their skills against some of the best competitors from around the globe, helping to elevate their performance and inspire their growth.
"Beyond the competition, our goal is to provide all participants with a truly exceptional sporting experience-one that reflects the UAE's deep commitment to youth development and sporting excellence. This event is also a powerful platform to showcase the incredible talent and potential of our young athletes and to reinforce the UAE's status as a leading destination for world-class sports events," he added.
During its meeting, the ITF's council discussed the candidate cities to host championships through 2027 and decided on the cities that will organise the Grand Prix series for 2026 and 2027 as part of the qualification path for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Cities with outstanding organisational experience were selected based on proposals submitted to the council.
