Young taekwondo athletes shine at championships

Alisher Pak of Uzbekistan, left, and Mohmmad Dar Ali of Jordan comfort each other after the men's +78 kilogram quarterfinal match on the first day of the 2026 World Taekwondo Junior Championships at the Martial Arts Sports Complex in Olympic City, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sunday. Pak advanced to the final. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — The Tashkent 2026 World Taekwondo Junior Championships wraps up tonight after six days of competition showcasing the talent, discipline and sportsmanship of nearly 1,000 young athletes from 115 nations.

Held at the Olympic City Martial Arts Sports Complex, the event marks the 30th anniversary of the championships and is the first international tournament hosted at Uzbekistan’s newly built Olympic City. The competition blends high performance with cultural exchange, creating a memorable milestone for the sport and the host nation.

Lisa Vogt, right, coach of the Taekwondo Refugee Team, encourages Nasim Mahmoudi in the women’s -46 kilogram round of 64 match on the first day of the 2026 World Taekwondo Junior Championships at the Martial Arts Sports Complex in Olympic City, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Throughout the week, World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won has called Uzbekistan “a reliable partner” and noted its growing impact on the global sports landscape.

Matches during the championships reflect the spirit of fair play, with athletes showing mutual respect on and off the mats. Competitors bow before and after each bout, and many exchange warm handshakes and friendly smiles — some promising to meet again in future championships.

Chinese Taipei’s Chieh Ling Wang, right, competes with Russia’s Elizaveta Bystrova in the women’s -46 kilogram final match at Martial Arts Sports Complex, Olympic City, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Technical updates introduced this year, including revised scoring that awards six points for spinning head kicks, add extra energy and pace to the matches.

The closing ceremony will cap the championships with applause not only for the medalists but for every participant who embodies taekwondo’s values of respect, perseverance and unity.

World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won delivers remarks before a flash mob performance in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, April 10. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Choue emphasizes that the friendships formed and lessons learned in Tashkent are the lasting victories of this year’s event. “These young athletes are the future of our sport,” Choue said during an interview with The Korea Times. “They competed with honor and heart, representing the very best of taekwondo. I am confident that many of them will go on to become champions — both on the mats and in life.”

Tomorrow, the young athletes will depart with fresh motivation, their sights set on upcoming tournaments where many vow to reunite and continue chasing their dreams.

A young taekwondo athlete walks away after a flash mob performance at Olympic Village Square in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, April 10. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk