CHUNCHEON, Korea (Sept 30, 2024) - The World Taekwondo Council today held its first meeting since Paris 2024, and reflected on the huge successes for the sport at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

Taekwondo and Para Taekwondo competitions at Paris 2024 were staged at the magnificent Grand Palais, providing a fitting backdrop for many magical moments and unforgettable atmospheres.

 

The Council heard a full report on the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The 32 Olympic medals were shared by athletes representing 23 National Olympic Committees, while the 40 Paralympic medals went to 23 National Paralympic Committees plus one Neutral Paralympic Athlete and one Refugee Paralympic Team.

 

World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue praised the organisers in Paris and all Taekwondo and Para Taekwondo medallists.

 

“As we all witnessed, Paris 2024 was a magnificent Olympic and Paralympic Games for Taekwondo. Most of the Council Members were there and thrilled by the incredible atmosphere created by the best athletes, the best spectators, and the best venue ever,” President Choue said.

 

“Paris was a great endorsement of our 30th anniversary as an Olympic sport. I wish to thank the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and all our technical officials and staff for an exceptional Games.

 

“Our medal distribution at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games once again demonstrates the value of our sport in terms of global appeal and technical standards.”

 

The Council approved amendments to the World Taekwondo Statutes aimed at strengthening World Taekwondo’s governance and improving the sport. These will be presented to the General Assembly in Chuncheon later today.

 

Members approved an Integrity Pledge and Integrity Policy for International Referees and a Member National Association (MNA) Election Report and Integrity and Compliance Pledge.

 

An updated policy regarding the participation of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) and AIN support personnel at upcoming events was also approved by the Council. Previously to compete in World Taekwondo recognised events, AIN athletes and support personnel were required to have been verified as eligible and participated at World Taekwondo promoted competitions.

 

Under the revised policy, the Review Committee has delegated background checks of any new AIN athletes to the European Taekwondo Union, working with an independent agency to confirm their eligibilities. The cost of backgrounds checks will be borne by the requesting MNA.

 

The Council additionally heard about the first review of MNA Governance and a report from the World Taekwondo Global Integrity Unit.

 

The World Taekwondo General Assembly will be held in Chuncheon later today, ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the World Taekwondo Junior Championships.