Athletes from 44 nations compete as Asian Taekwondo Championships kick off in Kuching
KUCHING (July 28): The 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet and Para Taekwondo Championships, currently being held at the Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here, marks Malaysia's re-entry into the regional taekwondo arena after more than three decades, said Taekwondo Malaysia president Azizul Annuar Adenan.
The Tanjong Datu assemblyman also expressed pride in Sarawak for hosting the mega tournament. He was speaking in his welcoming address at the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Azizul, who is also Sarawak Taekwondo Association president, added that he is looking forward to continued collaborative efforts to promote Sarawak as a central hub for major sports events and further strengthen ties within the global taekwondo community.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu who represented Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
'It is my great honour and pleasure, on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, to welcome all of you to Kuching,' he told the 1,300 athletes and officials from 44 countries.
'Bring more world-class tournaments and big events, the government of Sarawak will continue to support,' he added in a message directed at Sarawak sports officials.
Among those present were World Taekwondo president Dr Choue Chung-Won, Asian Taekwondo Union president Prof Lee Kyu-Seok and Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
The mega tournament comprises the 13th Asian Junior Taekwondo Kyorugi Championships, the 8th Asian Junior Poomsae Championships, the 6th Asian Cadet Kyorugi Championships, the 6th Asian Cadet Poomsae Championships and the 10th Asian Para Championships.
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