Latest news with #WorldTaekwondoCadetChampionships
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Crown Prince of Fujairah attends opening of World Taekwondo Cadet Championships
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the 7th edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships commenced on Saturday in Fujairah. The five-day event began with a grand opening ceremony at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. Sheikh Mohammed attended the opening ceremony and emphasised that Fujairah's hosting of international championships reflects the trust that global sports community places in the UAE and particularly Fujairah due to its advanced infrastructure and qualified organisational teams. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that hosting such events allows Fujairah to attract major competitions, strengthening its position as an international sports hub. He also highlighted the continued support and commitment of Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in promoting the sports sector, which he views as a crucial pillar for achieving ongoing excellence in various international arenas. Sheikh Dr Rashid Bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Authority for Culture and Information, Dr Choue Chung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation, along with members of the Federation's Executive Board, joined Sheikh Mohammed at the opening ceremony. During the opening ceremony, Dr Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation and a member of the World Taekwondo, said, 'This championship is driven by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi along with the visionary guidance of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi. This championship marks a significant milestone, featuring participation from 93 countries and a total of 811 athletes, both male and female. Fujairah is honoured to host this prestigious taekwondo event, and we extend our gratitude to World Taekwondo, the Ministry of Sports, and all of our valued partners for their unwavering support, which has been essential in making this championship a success.' For his part, Dr Choue Chung-won noted that this is the largest cadet championship to date, highlighting the importance placed by Member National Associations (MNAs) on youth development. He expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, for his support in organising this record-setting event and for his extensive contributions to refugees and displaced persons globally. Dr Chung-won further emphasised that this support enables World Taekwondo to field a refugee team, bringing joy to children and youths in refugee camps. He pointed out that cadet athletes are the foundation of taekwondo, and many competitors from past World Taekwondo Cadet Championships have gone on to become Olympic champions, world champions, and medalists. The opening ceremony featured oath-taking of athletes, referees, and coaches, as well as a flag parade and cultural performances that showcased Emirati heritage. A highlight of the ceremony was a performance by the World Taekwondo demonstration team. The sponsors, e& and the Fujairah Investment Company, along with partners such as the Ministry of Sports and the Fujairah Police General Headquarters, were also recognised during the event. The seventh edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will continue until May 14 at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. Meanwhile, the World Taekwondo Council met prior to the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Fujairah, and elected a series of future hosts to establish an extensive competition calendar through to 2027. World Taekwondo Grand Prix hosts were decided for 2026 and 2027, providing important opportunities for athletes as part of the qualifying process for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Next year's World Taekwondo Grand Prix will feature events in Rome, Italy (Grand Prix 1); Muju, Korea (Grand Prix 2); and Paris, France (Grand Prix 3) before the Grand Prix Final and World Taekwondo Gala Awards in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Gulf Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Stage set for Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships
More than 800 young athletes from around the world are set to compete in the Middle East's first-ever World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, which will be held in Fujairah from Saturday until May 14. The landmark event will be under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, featuring participation from over 811 athletes representing 93 countries. Since its inaugural edition in 2014, the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships has served as a vital platform for athletes aged 12 to 14 to gain experience at a major international event, hone their skills, and compete for prestigious titles on the global stage. Often considered the launching pad for future taekwondo stars, the 2025 edition in Fujairah is poised to be the largest and most significant since the first championship was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The details of the region's first World Taekwondo Cadet Championships were disclosed in a press conference held at the Al Bahar Hotel and Resort in Fujairah on Thursday. Hosted by the Fujairah Martial Arts Club under the auspices of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, the championships will take place at the Zayed Sports Complex. The higher organising committee of the championships emphasised their full commitment to international standards set by World Taekwondo to ensure a world-class event that reflects the highest levels of professionalism and excellence. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, member of World Taekwondo, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, affirmed that hosting the championship in Fujairah aligns with the vision of the Crown Prince to elevate the emirate's status as a global sports destination. He noted that all preparations are proceeding according to the highest standards to deliver an exceptional event that honours the UAE's reputation. He added, 'We are proud of this achievement and will work with all partners to ensure the event's success in every aspect.' This year's event has drawn an impressive 807 athletes and 467 officials from 89 Member National Associations, along with participants from the World Taekwondo Refugee Team, Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), and athletes competing under the World Taekwondo flag. Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo, expressed his delight in selecting Fujairah to host this prestigious global event. He praised the UAE's advanced infrastructure and unwavering support for sports, which makes it an ideal destination for major international tournaments. He also noted that the Fujairah World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 is the largest of its kind globally in terms of participation, with over 800 male and female athletes, and highlighted the notable presence of the Refugee Team, which gives the event a humanitarian dimension that transcends competition. Dr. Choue highlighted that this championship serves as a crucial platform for unearthing young talent and elevating taekwondo's global stature by bringing together diverse cultures through the power of sport. The Fujairah 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will include competitions in 10 weight categories for both boys and girls. Male athletes will compete in divisions ranging from under 33kg to over 65kg, while female athletes will compete in divisions from under 29kg to over 59kg. Nader Abu Shawish, Tournament Director, stated: '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. 'This championship offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for our young Emirati athletes to test their skills against some of the best competitors from around the globe, helping to elevate their performance and inspire their growth. 'Beyond the competition, our goal is to provide all participants with a truly exceptional sporting experience—one that reflects the UAE's deep commitment to youth development and sporting excellence. This event is also a powerful platform to showcase the incredible talent and potential of our young athletes and to reinforce the UAE's status as a leading destination for world-class sports events,' he added.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Girl from Cumbria to represent Britain at 'prestigious' international tournament
A girl from Cumbria is preparing to represent Britain at a 'prestigious' international tournament this weekend. Gabby Pettigrew, a 12-year-old from Kendal, will be competing at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Sheikh Zayed Sport City in Fujairah of the United Arab Emirates. The tournament will take place between May 10 and 14 with Gabby representing Core Taekwondo Academy. Coach and dad Steven Pettigrew said: "It's amazing news and we're so proud of her. "And we've got to say a big congratulations to all the other cadets who have been selected." Gabby will be hoping to continue her good form when she represents Britain (Image: Steven Pettigrew) Gabby will be joined by four other young Britons in the tournament - Nyah Cannon from Nottingham, Henry Hunter and Luis Harrison from Quest Taekwondo in Sheffield, and Joshua Sherratt of BTS Maddogs in Stoke-on-Trent. The upcoming event will provide a platform for the 'stars of the future' to showcase their skills on the biggest stage, with athletes coming from across the world to compete for the coveted prize. Gabby will be looking to continue her fine from the recent European Club Championships in Estonia, and will be competing in the -29kg weight division. Gabby is one of five British competitors aiming to do the nation proud (Image: Steven Pettigrew) For Steven and Core Taekwondo, Gabby's success is just the latest positive news, with the academy moving into larger premises at Stramongate to welcome more students than ever before. "Our old do-jang has served us well and it's sad to see it go as a lot of hard work was put into it," Steven added. "But we have outgrown it now and needed somewhere bigger to help us move forward with our aim and vision of being able to offer a top quality venue, as well as coaching to enhance our members' training experience. "We have had a great start to the project, completing our smaller hall all thanks to all our fabulous volunteers, coaches, committee, parents, kids, our sponsors, and also all those who've donated items." You can find out more about Core Taekwondo and any openings for new members by visiting the website here.
