Rawalpindi, December 29,2025: The 18th Korean Ambassador’s National Junior & Cadet Kyorugi and Poomsae Taekwondo Championships (Male & Female) concluded successfully at the Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex, Rawalpindi, after three days of high-level competition from December 26 to 28.
ThFe prestigious national event was jointly hosted by the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, with support from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), the Pakistan Army Sports Directorate, and the District Sports Department Rawalpindi. The championships were generously sponsored by Kingdom Valley and Cheezious.
A total of 530 athletes from across the country participated in the championships, competing in Kyorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms) categories. The competition featured two age groups: the Cadet Division for athletes born between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015, and the Junior Division for those born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011.
Kyorugi events, the Olympic-style sparring discipline of Taekwondo, were conducted under World Taekwondo rules using a single-elimination format and Olympic weight categories. Poomsae competitions followed a cut-off system and focused on technical excellence, balance, power, and precision. The Poomsae events included Individual and Mixed Pair categories, with athletes performing Taegeuk 1–8 in the Cadet division, and Taegeuk 4–8, Keumgang, and Taebaek in the Junior and Mixed Pair Junior categories.
All participating athletes held valid Kukkiwon Dan certificates, ensuring adherence to international technical standards. Teams represented major national institutions and regions, including the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Police, Higher Education Commission, Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The opening ceremony was held at 6:00 pm at the Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex and was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Park Jaelark, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea; Mrs. Saba Shamim, President of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (Women Wing); Lt. Col. Zeeshan Aslam, General Staff Officer from the Pakistan Army Sports Directorate; and representatives from the Commissioner Rawalpindi Office.
During the ceremony, Mr. Park Jaelark distributed Taekwondo equipment provided by Kukkiwon to representative athletes from each participating team. The Pakistan National Taekwondo Team also presented an impressive demonstration, highlighting advanced techniques, discipline, and athletic excellence.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Park Jaelark emphasized that Taekwondo, the national sport of the Republic of Korea, instills core values such as self-control, respect, discipline, and consideration for others. He noted that these values play a vital role in the holistic development of young athletes and contribute to building both a strong body and a healthy mind. He expressed appreciation for the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation, instructors, and officials for their continued efforts in promoting the sport, and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening sports cooperation and friendship between Korea and Pakistan.
Mrs. Saba Shamim, President of the PTF Women Wing, reiterated the federation’s commitment to providing an inclusive and competitive platform for young athletes across the country. She stated that the championship offered invaluable exposure and experience to participants, fostering sportsmanship and the true spirit of Taekwondo. She also extended her gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for its consistent support, including financial assistance and the provision of equipment, which she said has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Taekwondo in Pakistan at both grassroots and national levels.
