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.