CHUNCHEON, Korea (Sept 30, 2024) - The World Taekwondo Junior Championships got underway with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the Chuncheon Air Dome, where the world’s best young athletes have gathered for six days of competition.
At the Opening Ceremony, World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue was joined by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng, the Mayor of Chuncheon Yook Dong-han, the President of the Korea Taekwondo Association Jinbang Yang and World Taekwondo Council members.
It featured vibrant displays of local music and dancing by performers from the Gangwon Province, and an impressive show by the World Taekwondo Demonstration Team.
World Taekwondo President Choue underlined the importance of the event for the participating athletes.
“Taekwondo spreads hope and dreams around the world. All of you participating in this event could become stars of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. I hope that through this competition, participants can build new friendships and gain a valuable life experience in Chuncheon,” President Choue said.
The Opening Ceremony was followed by the Declaration Ceremony for the Relocation of World Taekwondo’s headquarters to Chuncheon. President Choue presented plaques of appreciation to Mayor Yook and President Yang, and the event also included a commemorative performance and a welcome banquet for participants.
The World Taekwondo Junior Championships will be held from October 1-6 in Chuncheon. There are 963 athletes competing, with representation from 127 countries, Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) and the World Taekwondo Refugee Team.