The 7th edition of the prestigious World Taekwondo Cadet Championships kicked off today under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. This grand sporting event is being held at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. It promises to be a monumental occasion, drawing participants and spectators from all over the globe.
A Landmark Event for Fujairah and the UAE
As the event began, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, attended the opening ceremony and expressed his pride in Fujairah’s role as a key destination for international sports. His Highness emphasized that the hosting of such significant events highlights the global sports community’s trust in the UAE, particularly in Fujairah. This trust is a result of the city’s world-class infrastructure and efficient organizational capabilities, which make it an ideal location for major sports events.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also acknowledged that hosting events of this scale helps position Fujairah as a leading international sports hub. He stressed the importance of sports in fostering excellence across various international arenas and noted the ongoing support of his father, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in driving the growth of the sports sector.
Key Figures Attend the Historic Event
The opening ceremony was a notable occasion that brought together distinguished figures from both the UAE and the global taekwondo community. Alongside H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Sheikh Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Authority for Culture and Information, was present, as well as Dr. Choue Chung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation, and members of the Federation’s Executive Board.
Dr. Choue’s presence underscored the significance of the event, which marks a milestone in the world of taekwondo, particularly for its focus on youth development and global participation. The event attracted athletes, coaches, and dignitaries from across the world, all of whom have gathered to celebrate the spirit of competition and cultural exchange.
Championship Highlights: A Global Participation
The World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 is an unparalleled event, attracting a diverse and global array of participants. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Championships and President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, delivered an inspiring speech at the opening. He emphasized that the event’s success is thanks to the continuous efforts of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi. He acknowledged the contributions of the UAE government, the Ministry of Sports, and all partners who made this event possible.
A remarkable 93 countries are participating in this year’s competition, with 811 athletes—both male and female—competing for top honors. This level of international engagement demonstrates the global appeal of the championships and highlights Fujairah’s growing stature as a key player in international sports.
Strengthening Global Youth Development through Taekwondo
Dr. Choue Chung-won highlighted the importance of youth development in the sport of taekwondo. He expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi for his unwavering support, which has been crucial to the success of the event. The event’s reach extends beyond competitive sports; it emphasizes the role of taekwondo in youth empowerment.
Dr. Choue also noted that this year’s championship is the largest in its history, which further underlines the emphasis placed by Member National Associations (MNAs) on developing young athletes. Taekwondo has long been an avenue for young people to excel, and many past participants have gone on to become Olympic champions, world champions, and medalists. This reflects the importance of supporting youth participation in competitive sports, offering them opportunities to grow and succeed on the international stage.
Opening Ceremony: A Celebration of Emirati Culture
The opening ceremony itself was a beautiful fusion of taekwondo and Emirati culture. The event began with an official oath-taking by athletes, referees, and coaches, signifying the commitment to fair play and the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the championship. The flag parade, accompanied by vibrant cultural performances, highlighted the rich heritage of the UAE, and the Emirati community’s warm hospitality and welcoming spirit.
A particularly memorable moment in the ceremony was the demonstration by the World Taekwondo demonstration team, which captivated the audience with their impressive displays of skill and precision. Their performance offered a captivating preview of the high level of taekwondo that the competition would showcase in the coming days.
Support from Sponsors and Partners
This major event also received backing from prominent sponsors, including e& and the Fujairah Investment Company. Their support, along with contributions from key partners such as the Ministry of Sports and the Fujairah Police General Headquarters, has been crucial in ensuring the smooth organization and success of the championship.
These collaborations have not only contributed to the success of the event but also reinforced Fujairah’s status as a city capable of hosting high-profile global sporting events. The recognition of these sponsors and partners during the opening ceremony highlighted the role of both public and private sectors in supporting such significant events.
The Path Ahead: A Bright Future for Fujairah and Taekwondo
The 7th edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 is set to continue until May 14, 2025, at the Zayed Sports Complex. This championship offers a significant opportunity for the UAE to showcase its capabilities in hosting large-scale international events, while also highlighting its commitment to the development of sports, particularly taekwondo, within the region.
As the championship progresses, it promises to be an exciting and competitive event that brings together athletes from across the globe, uniting them in the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural exchange. The continued development of taekwondo in the UAE and the broader Gulf region will surely benefit from the success of this event, as it strengthens the country’s position as an emerging sports hub.
Looking Ahead: Fujairah’s Role in the Global Sports Landscape
Looking beyond the 2025 championships, the UAE and Fujairah, in particular, are poised to play an increasingly important role in the global sports landscape. The success of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships serves as a testament to the country’s ability to host events that not only meet the expectations of international sporting federations but also inspire the next generation of athletes.
The UAE’s emphasis on sports development, youth empowerment, and international cooperation ensures that events like the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships are just the beginning of a new era of sporting excellence in the region.
Building a Legacy of Sports Excellence in Fujairah
The 7th edition of the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 is more than just a sporting event. It is a powerful symbol of Fujairah’s ambition to become a key player in the global sports arena. With the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and the ongoing support of local and international partners, this championship represents a major milestone in the UAE’s journey towards becoming a global leader in hosting international sports events.
The event is a celebration of the talent, dedication, and hard work of young athletes from around the world, and it highlights the importance of sports in uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds. As the competition continues, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the participants, spectators, and everyone involved in this remarkable celebration of youth, talent, and sportsmanship.
