18th Korean Ambassador’s National Junior & Cadet Kyorugi & Poomsae Taekwondo Championships
Rawalpindi, Pakistan – The Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex served as the venue for the 18th Korean Ambassador’s National Junior & Cadet Kyorugi & Poomsae Taekwondo Championships from December 26 to 28. The event, a cornerstone of the national sporting calendar, was jointly organized by the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
The championships received significant institutional support from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), the Pakistan Army Sports Directorate, and the District Sports Department Rawalpindi, with commercial sponsorship provided by Kingdom Valley and Cheezious.
A strong field of 530 registered athletes from across Pakistan competed in the Olympic-style sparring (Kyorugi) and forms (Poomsae) disciplines. Competitors were divided into two age brackets: the Cadet Division (born 2012-2015) and the Junior Division (born 2008-2011).
Kyorugi events followed a single-elimination format, adhering to official Olympic weight categories. Poomsae competitions, judged on technical precision and performance, were conducted in Individual and Mixed Pair categories under a cut-off system, featuring prescribed forms (Taegeuk, Keumgang, Taebaek) appropriate for each division. All participants held valid Kukkiwon Dan certification, ensuring international technical standards. The competition featured teams from major national institutions and all provinces and territories.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Bilateral Cooperation
Mr. Park Jaelark, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea with Mrs. Saba Shamim,
President of the PTF Women Wing; Lt. Col. Zeeshan Aslam of the Pakistan Army
Sports Directorate
The official opening ceremony commenced at 6:00 PM on December 26. His Excellency Mr. Park Jaelark, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea, presided as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was also attended by Mrs. Saba Shamim, President of the PTF Women Wing; Lt. Col. Zeeshan Aslam of the Pakistan Army Sports Directorate; and the Assistant Commissioner from the Commissioner Rawalpindi Office.
A key moment of the ceremony saw H.E. Mr. Park Jaelark distribute official Taekwondo equipment, provided by Kukkiwon, to team representatives. The event was further elevated by a demonstration performance by members of the Pakistan National Taekwondo Team.
In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Park Jaelark emphasized Taekwondo’s role as a vehicle for character development. “As the national sport of Korea, Taekwondo instills the core values of self-control, respect, and discipline,” he stated. “We believe cultivating these principles alongside physical prowess provides invaluable life skills for youth.” He commended the PTF for its developmental efforts and expressed a commitment to deepening the Korea-Pakistan friendship through continued sporting cooperation.
Mrs. Saba Shamim reaffirmed the PTF’s commitment to athlete development. “This championship provides a premier, inclusive platform for our junior athletes to excel and embrace true sportsmanship,” she said. She extended profound gratitude to the Korean Embassy for its sustained and multifaceted support, which has been instrumental in advancing Taekwondo across Pakistan.
About the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF):
The PTF is the national governing body for Taekwondo in Pakistan, recognized by the Pakistan Olympic Association, World Taekwondo, and Kukkiwon. It is responsible for the development, promotion, and regulation of the sport at all levels nationwide.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
