Fujairah Welcomes Young Athletes For The World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025

The Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships commenced under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. This event, hosted in Fujairah, features young talents aged 12 to 14 from 93 countries. Over 811 athletes are participating, and the championship will run until May 14, creating a vibrant global sporting atmosphere.

Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, stated that hosting this championship aligns with the Crown Prince's vision to position Fujairah as a global sports hub. The event highlights the emirate's commitment to becoming a premier destination for international sports events.

Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), expressed his pleasure in selecting Fujairah for this prestigious event. He commended the UAE’s top-notch infrastructure and steadfast support for sports, making it an ideal venue for major international tournaments.

This championship is notable for being the largest of its kind globally in terms of participation, with over 800 athletes involved. Dr. Choue emphasized its importance as a platform for discovering young talent and enhancing taekwondo’s global presence by uniting diverse cultures through sport.

Nader Abu Shawish, Tournament Director, remarked: "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." He highlighted that this championship offers young Emirati athletes a unique chance to compete against top international contenders.

Future Plans and Developments

The ITF council convened in Fujairah to discuss recent developments in taekwondo both technically and organisationally. They also deliberated on future plans to support players and enhance taekwondo’s global reach. The meeting included discussions on candidate cities to host championships through 2027.

Cities with exceptional organisational experience were chosen based on proposals submitted to the council. These cities will organise the Grand Prix series for 2026 and 2027 as part of the qualification path for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Beyond competition, Abu Shawish mentioned that their aim is to provide participants with an exceptional sporting experience reflecting the UAE’s dedication to youth development and sporting excellence. This event showcases young athletes' talent and potential while reinforcing the UAE's status as a leading destination for world-class sports events.

With inputs from WAM