07 Aug 2026
Successful First Day for the 11th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championships in Ulaanbaatar
4 August 2026
The first day of the 11th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championships concluded successfully in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with a series of important meetings laying the foundation for the championships. The programme included the Asian Taekwon-Do Federation (ATF) Executive Board Meeting, the Coaches’ and Umpires’ Meeting, and the Asian ITF Congress, bringing together representatives from 67 Asian nations.
The day commenced with the Asian Taekwon-Do Federation Executive Board Meeting, chaired by ATF President Mr. Kim Myong Gun. During the meeting, the Executive Board discussed key initiatives and strategic matters concerning the future development of the Federation and the continued growth of ITF Taekwon-Do throughout Asia.
Preparations for the championships continued with the Coaches’ and Umpires’ Meeting, held under the co-chairmanship of the ATF Tournament Committee Chairman, Grand Master Rajendran Balan, and the ATF Umpire Committee Chairman, Grand Master Son Song Gun. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the ATF Umpire Committee, Master Lee Sock Cheng, presented a comprehensive refresher on the current ITF Umpire Rules, ensuring that all officials are fully prepared and aligned ahead of the competition. The meeting also provided an opportunity for coaches and umpires to review organizational matters and reaffirm their shared commitment to the highest standards of fairness and professionalism throughout the championships.
The day’s programme concluded with the Asian ITF Congress, held under the auspices of the ATF President, Mr. Kim Myong Gun, and the ITF President, Prof. Grand Master Ri Yong Son. Representatives of 67 Asian member nations participated in the Congress, which began with a minute of silence in honour of the enduring legacy of the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi.
Delegates unanimously approved the resolutions of the previous Asian ITF Congress, held in Bengaluru, India, before receiving reports on the activities and progress of the Asian Taekwon-Do Federation since the previous Congress.
A significant milestone was reached with the unanimous adoption of a new ATF Constitution, making the Asian Taekwon-Do Federation the first ITF continental federation to align its statutory framework with the new ITF Constitution adopted by the ITF Congress in Jesolo, Italy, in October 2025. This achievement establishes the ATF as a leading example among the ITF continental federations and marks an important step in the implementation of the new constitutional framework throughout the International Taekwon-Do Federation.
During the Congress, Cambodia was officially announced as the host of the 12th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championships.
The Congress also recognized the outstanding contributions of several distinguished members of the Asian Taekwon-Do Federation, who were presented with honorary orders in recognition of their lifelong dedication and exceptional service to Taekwon-Do and the Federation.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation extends its sincere appreciation to the Organizing Committee, officials, volunteers, coaches, umpires, delegates, and all participants whose dedication and professionalism ensured a successful opening day of the 11th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championships. The championships now continue with the official commencement of competition in Ulaanbaatar.
