13 edition of Fujairah Open concludes after thrilling battles and record participation

The curtain came down, after days filled with intense bouts and excitement, on the competitions of the 13th edition of the Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championships, classified as a (G2) event, which was organized by Fujairah Martial Arts Club.

The championships were held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

The Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championships witnessed record participation, with 2,193 male and female athletes from 72 countries around the world.

The results of the final day highlighted a remarkable diversity of talent across various weight categories through the competitions of the cadets (boys and girls), amid fierce competition for the medals.

Several Emirati and Uzbek clubs stood out in the medal standings, alongside a notable presence from some Jordanian centers and academies.

The UAE athletes recorded the following results: in the men’s category, under 28 kg, Feng Wood of the UAE and Qaboos Al Jabri of Oman shared the bronze medal; under 40 kg, Ilmar Dwainey of the UAE and Aslombek Rodov of Uzbekistan shared bronze; under 44 kg, bronze went to Hayk Bakyan of Armenia and Al-Khayat of the UAE; under 48 kg, Ali Daham of the UAE won silver; under 52 kg, Salem Al Ameri and Hassan Al Marzouqi of the UAE claimed bronze; under 57 kg, Ali Khamis of the UAE secured silver; and in the over 75 kg category, Abdulrahman Al Falasi of the UAE won silver, while Yousuf Al Shihi and Mohammed Hilal shared bronze. In the women’s category, under 27 kg, Ghanima Al Shaarawi of the UAE and Ritaj Saleh of Jordan shared bronze; under 30 kg, Salma Mohammed of the UAE won silver, with bronze going to Mahra Al Salmi of the UAE and Sajaa Al Mashari of Oman; under 36 kg, Kaya Al Hammadi of the UAE and Odenbuno Sarova of Uzbekistan shared bronze; under 44 kg, Aseel Abdullah of the UAE captured gold and Lina Abdulwahid took silver; under 48 kg, the UAE swept the podium as Alia Bin Ashour won gold, Aisha Al Diehouri claimed silver, and Layan Al Sad and Farah Taha shared bronze; and under 52 kg, Farida Jamal won gold, Mira Saleh secured silver, and Nesma Ahmed earned bronze.

In addition to hosting the 13th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championships, Fujairah, UAE, has further cemented its status as a key hub for World Taekwondo, staging major events, official council meetings, and gala awards that celebrate excellence in the sport.

The global Taekwondo family gathered in Fujairah to celebrate another outstanding year of sporting excellence at the World Taekwondo 2025 Gala Awards, held at the Al Bahar Hotel.

Recognising achievements from the 2025 season, the prestigious Gala Awards brought together the world’s leading figures in Taekwondo to honour the athletes, coaches, referees and Member National Associations (MNAs) who left a lasting mark on the sport over the past year.

The ceremony was attended by World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue, vice presidents and members of the Council, officials from the Continental Unions and Member National Associations, as well as Crown Prince of Fujairah.

At the Gala Awards, President Choue presented an appreciation plaque to Council Member and UAE Taekwondo Federation President Dr. Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, in recognition of his efforts to promote Taekwondo in the region through the Fujairah Open and the hosting of the Gala Awards 2025.

The World Taekwondo Council also held the first meeting of its mandate in Fujairah, united by the “Reborn Together” motto which will guide the organisation through the forthcoming year.

Reflecting on the significance of Fujairah’s role in the global Taekwondo community, Nader Abu Shawish, Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, said: “Historically, the World Taekwondo Gala Awards have coincided with the Grand Prix Final, but this year marks a turning point. Fujairah has truly emerged as a central hub for World Taekwondo, a place where the sport’s leaders, athletes, and federations can come together in celebration, collaboration, and vision.

“In February, the world’s Taekwondo headquarters converged here for the first council meeting of the new mandate — a moment of great significance, as it was the first meeting following the landmark elections held in China in October 2025. For the first time, Fujairah proudly hosted the Gala Awards during an open competition, an innovation that underscores the emirate’s rising prominence on the global stage.

“The event also provided a remarkable opportunity for the international Taekwondo community to formally acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Dr. Ahmed Hamdani, whose tireless dedication over the past year has been instrumental in organizing the World Cadet Championship 2025 in Fujairah and promoting the sport throughout the region.”