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.