FUJAIRAH, UAE (May 8, 2025) – The vibrant spirit of youth Taekwondo was on full display as the Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships officially kicked off with the Head of Team Meeting held at the DoubleTree Hotel, two days ahead of competition. The meeting brought together coaches from 89 countries, underscoring the truly global scale of the event.

 

World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue, Secretary General Jeongkang Seo, Vice Presidents Maria Borello and Kyuseok Lee, Council Members Jinbang Yang and Mohammed Shaaban and Ahmed Alzeyoudi, Technical Delegate Philippe Bouedo, and CSB Members.

 

WT Council Member & UAE Taekwondo Federation President Ahmed Alzeyoudi warmly welcomed all participants to Fujairah, noting the historic significance of hosting the Cadet Championships in the UAE for the first time. “We have spent the past two years preparing with dedication,” he said. “We wish all coaches and athletes the best of success.”

 

World Taekwondo President Choue expressed his happiness to be in Fujairah and congratulated the local organizers on hosting what is set to be the largest edition of the Cadet Championships to date. He also conveyed his gratitude to President Alzeyoudi and to the Crown Prince of Fujairah for their invaluable support.

 

President Choue reflected on the recent success of the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival held last week in Jordan, and his visit to the Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda, where the passion for Taekwondo was palpable. “This is the true spirit of Taekwondo,” he said. “As an Olympic sport, we bear a social responsibility to serve and uplift communities. We will continue to support refugees and marginalized populations through Taekwondo.

 

He continued “Medals are not the only measure of success. Mutual respect and harmony must come first. Our motto for 2025 is: ‘Harmony Brings Glory.’”

 

Following the Head of Team Meeting, an official press conference was held at the Al Bahar Hotel, drawing significant attention from local media outlets. The enthusiastic turnout highlighted the strong media interest in this year’s Cadet Championships.

 

The 7th edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will be held from May 10 to 14 at the Zayed Complex.

 

The event has attracted 807 athletes and 467 officials representing 89 Member National Associations, the World Taekwondo Refugee Team, AIN (Individual Neutral Athletes), and competitors under the World Taekwondo flag.