FUJAIRAH, UAE (May 11, 2025) - The opening day of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Fujairah ended in dramatic style as Kazakhstan’s Khamzaalpen Romashkin won M -61kg gold by edging a thrilling final.

Romashkin’s low-scoring 3-0 victory in the first round of the final provided no indication of the drama that was to follow, as his opponent Nikola Samardzic of Canada hit back to edge the second 9-8. In the deciding third round, Romashkin held his nerve to outscore Samardzic 17-15 and claim a remarkable gold medal.

It was a lesson in persistence and perseverance, and those are qualities Romashkin hopes will help him to fulfil his career goals beyond the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, including ultimately becoming the Olympic champion.

“I learned to aim for more than I achieve now, so maybe junior champion, then world champion in the senior category. And to never give up,” he said reflecting on his experience in Fujairah.

Raised in Shymkent, Romashkin began practising Taekwondo in 2021 having been encouraged to try the sport by his older brother, and it was instantly a perfect match. He cites as his idol Samirkhon Ababakirov, who made his Olympic debut representing Kazakhstan at Paris 2024.

“I love his Taekwondo style!” Romashkin shared.

Kazakhstan had two gold medallists at the previous World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina two years ago. Romashkin has continued the winning theme and ensured the future remains bright for Taekwondo in the country.

“The level of Taekwondo in Kazakhstan is growing, with three cadet world champions. After me and the other champions, a lot of people will be motivated to practise Taekwondo,” Romashkin said.

Kazakhstan’s presence in global Taekwondo will grow further, after the capital Astana was awarded the 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final and World Taekwondo Gala Awards during the World Taekwondo Council meeting in Fujairah.