The number of individuals regularly practicing taekwondo in Uzbekistan has nearly doubled in recent years, reaching approximately 35,000 participants, as it was announced during a meeting on April 15 between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Choue Chung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation, who visited the country to attend the World Youth Taekwondo Championship.
During the meeting, the sides reviewed the current state of taekwondo development in Uzbekistan and discussed prospects for further cooperation. Uzbekistan’s performance in international competitions was also highlighted, with the country’s athletes placing third in the overall team standings in taekwondo at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Choue Chung-won noted Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to develop sports infrastructure, promote physical activity among young people, and expand opportunities for athletes. The discussions also covered cooperation in training professional athletes and referees, as well as the exchange of experience in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and sports medicine.
In addition, the parties discussed the regular hosting of international competitions in Uzbekistan as part of efforts to further integrate the country into the global sports system.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev awarded Choue Chung-won the Order of “Dustlik” in recognition of his contribution to the development of taekwondo in Uzbekistan and international sports cooperation.
In turn, Choue Chung-won presented President Mirziyoyev with the “Honor and Glory” Order, the highest personal award of the World Taekwondo Federation. It was noted that this is the first time the award has been conferred on the President of Uzbekistan, reflecting international recognition of Uzbekistan’s efforts in sports development and the promotion of physical activity.
