Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation unveils bold plans for 2025 
Farzad Youshanlou
January 22, 2025

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation held its first Board of Trustees meeting for 2025, chaired by Dr. Chungwon Choue, to celebrate its 2024 achievements and outline ambitious plans for the year ahead. Convened at the Maison du Sport International and online, the meeting reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to empowering refugee athletes and promoting inclusion through sport.

The THF highlighted remarkable milestones achieved in 2024. Yahya Al Ghotany became the first refugee from Jordan’s Azraq camp to compete in the Olympic Games, while Zakia Khudadadi secured the first-ever medal for the Paralympic Refugee Team under the “Terrains d’Avenir” program. The 2nd Hope and Dreams Sports Festival in Jordan further expanded its scope, integrating Taekwondo, Baseball5, Badminton, and Basketball to celebrate diversity and unity.

REFUGEE ATHLETES TO OLYMPICS

Building on these successes, the THF announced plans to strengthen its initiatives for refugee athletes in the lead-up to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A revamped Solidarity Program for Refugee Athletes will provide financial and training support for at least eight athletes, including four from Africa. The program will include tailored training with three annual camps and collaborations with national Taekwondo federations and expert coaches. Afghan refugee athlete Fatemeh Jami, currently residing in Iran, stands out as a strong medal contender for the Dakar 2026 Games.

In a significant leadership move, the THF appointed Mr. Maher Magableh, a World Taekwondo Council Member, as Operations Director. Recognized for his dedication to the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival and refugee initiatives, Magableh’s leadership is expected to drive the foundation’s global mission to new heights.

The upcoming 3rd Hope and Dreams Sports Festival will expand its reach further, with discussions underway to include additional sports like judo and rowing. Baseball5 has already confirmed its participation, reflecting the festival’s growing appeal as a platform for fostering unity through sport.

THF PRESENCE ON INTERNATIONAL STAGES

To amplify its message and mission, the THF aims to enhance its presence on international stages by seeking recognition at the Fair Play Committee Awards and the Right Livelihood Award. These efforts underscore the foundation’s focus on resilience, solidarity, and global advocacy.

Dr. Choue concluded the meeting by unveiling World Taekwondo’s new motto for 2025, Harmony Brings Glory. This powerful statement reflects the foundation’s unwavering dedication to collaboration, compassion, and inclusion.

As the THF embarks on another ambitious year, its mission remains clear: to use Taekwondo as a tool for empowerment, healing, and hope, ensuring no one is left behind.

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