GUADALAJARA, Mexico (Nov. 14, 2022) – Mexico’s sports minister and two competing athletes praised the opportunity that the World Championships offered, both for national Taekwondo development and for their chances on the field of play.

 

“I am convinced that hosting this event will help us to develop Taekwondo here,” Mexican Sports Minister Ana Gabriela Guevara told a press conference held in the venue, the Centro Acuatico CODE Metropolitano, during a break on the competition’s Day 1. “It is not a physical advantage, but it helps to have family and friends here.”

 

“More than an advantage, it’s a motivation,” said W-46kg competitor Amelia Espinosa. “It’s an inspiration for the kids, and though what we want to show them is important, we want them to feel it.”

 

“Of course, it helps to compete at home,” said Espinosa’s team mate, Carlos Sansores, who is fighting in the M+87kg division. “It helps us as we have so many World and Olympic champion  here to develop the level of the athletes.”

 

He added, “If we are ready for this competition 100 percent, with our family in the stands, we are ready 200%.”

 

World Taekwondo’s president, who also spoke at the press event, noted the import of the event for federation’s rules and regulations ahead of Paris 2024.

 

“We always check our rules and regulations after the Olympics,” Chungwon Choue said. “There will be a final ‘brush up’ at the World Taekwondo Championships…after this, the rules will be fixed.”

 

Other speakers praised the organization of the Guadalajara tournament – which had occupied some 800 staff for six months. Choue called Sunday’s opening ceremony “one of the best” in WT’s history.

 

Guevara also emphasized how the championships, which are taking place in a partly-converted aquatic sports venue, showcased how sport facilities can be flexibly utilized.