CHELYABINSK, Russia (May 11, 2015) - The world’s taekwondo family was brought together in Russia, Chelyabinsk today as the WTF hosted the 26th WTF General Assembly ahead of the 2015 World Taekwondo Championships.

The WTF General Assembly unanimously adopted a number of amendments to the WTF Statutes and Competition Rules and Regulations. It decided to put the establishment of a WTF Para-Taekwondo Governing Board in a bylaw and pass at a later date. The Kosovo Taekwondo Federation was also granted a full WTF membership.

IOC President Thomas Bach was not able to attend the General Assembly due to his busy travel schedule, but delivered a video message in which he congratulated the WTF on the development of taekwondo and its ongoing cooperation with the ITF. IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell attended the General Assembly on behalf of the IOC President and delivered a presentation on the IOC, Olympic Agenda 2020 and taekwondo within the Olympic Movement. Rio 2016 also delivered a progress report on preparations for the Games.

During the WTF General Assembly, WTF President Chungwon Choue announced that the WTF has decided to withdraw its participation from the World Combat Games and suspend its SportAccord membership following the unanimous agreement of the WTF Council and its members.

Speaking during the WTF General Assembly, WTF President Choue said:

“After consultation with the WTF members, the WTF Council has unanimously decided to suspend the WTF’s membership with SportAccord with immediate effect.

“Taekwondo is more than a sport; it is a philosophy. It is a philosophy based on self-discipline, integrity and respect and at the WTF we believe we have an obligation to stay true to these values. It is with regret that taekwondo will not participate in the World Combat Games. However, we will continue to promote taekwondo and the Olympic values around the world and develop our sport for our athletes and our millions of fans worldwide.”