Taekwondo championship boosts bilateral cooperation between Korea and Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait, in partnership with the Kuwait Taekwondo Federation and the Korean Community Association, proudly co-hosted the Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship 2024. The event took place from April 30 to May 2 at the Jaber Al Ahmad facility of the Kuwait Olympic Committee. Over 200 young male and female athletes from Kuwait competed across nine weight categories, demonstrating their skills and dedication to Taekwondo.

The gala on May 2 was a vibrant highlight, attended by VIPs from the sports community and over 700 spectators, underscoring the widespread popularity and support for Taekwondo in Kuwait. Ambassador Chung Byung-ha expressed his gratitude to Hani Al Mersahad, President of the Kuwait Taekwondo Federation, and Mrs Jung Sunghee, President of the Korean Association in Kuwait, for their collaboration in organizing this significant event. Special thanks were also extended to the Minister of the State for Youth, Dawood Maarafi, and sports club leaders in Kuwait for their continuous support of Taekwondo.

This championship is particularly significant as it commemorates the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of energy cooperation between Kuwait and Korea, marking a partnership that began with Korea’s first importation of crude oil from Kuwait in January 1964.

To celebrate this notable occasion, the Korean folk ballet troupe “The Little Angels” visited Kuwait to showcase the essence of traditional Korean performing arts, celebrating the deep cultural ties between the two nations. The event also featured a prestigious awarding ceremony where the Minister of the State for Youth was honored with a Black-belt Certificate from Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters.

In his address, Ambassador Chung Byung-ha emphasized the impact of Taekwondo in fostering values such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance, and self-control among Kuwait’s youth. Since its introduction in the 1980s, Taekwondo has attracted over 4,000 practitioners in Kuwait, and through annual Taekwondo events and competitions, it continues to inspire and engage more young people.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea looks forward to further deepening cultural and sports exchanges between Korea and Kuwait, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation that benefit both nations.