On December 4, 2024, Hong Kong provided a stunning backdrop as the world Taekwondo community came together to celebrate a year of extraordinary achievements. The World Taekwondo 2024 Gala Awards, set aboard a cruise departing from Hung Hom Pier, highlighted the sport’s continued growth and success, particularly in the wake of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With the glittering Hong Kong skyline providing a breathtaking view, the evening set the stage for honoring those who have elevated the sport to new heights.
World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue, along with key figures such as Secretary General Jeongkang Seo, Council members, and distinguished guests like Taekwondo Promotion Foundation Chairman Jung-heon Kim and Hong Kong Taekwondo Association President Louis Man Chun Ching, led the festivities. President Choue reflected on a memorable year that included thrilling Taekwondo competitions at the Grand Palais during the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, marking the sport’s continued prominence on the global stage.
The Gala Awards, first launched in 2014, have become a cornerstone of the Taekwondo calendar, celebrating outstanding performances across all aspects of the sport. Awardees this year were selected based on their performances in Paris, with recommendations from the World Taekwondo Technical Commission.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN TAEKWONDO
Among the night’s standout honorees was Hungary’s Viviana Márton, who was awarded Female Athlete of the Year after claiming the -67kg gold medal at just 18 years old at her Olympic debut. Uzbekistan’s Ulugbek Rashitov, a back-to-back Olympic gold medalist, took home the Male Athlete of the Year award for his stunning victory in the -68kg category.
Para Taekwondo athletes also received well-deserved recognition. Peru’s Leonor Angélica Espinoza Carranza was named Female Para Taekwondo Athlete of the Year after earning her second Paralympic gold in the K44 -47kg category. Imamaddin Khalilov of Azerbaijan was honored with the Male Para Taekwondo Athlete of the Year award following his victory in the K44 -70kg category.
The Kick of the Year award was presented to Korea’s Taejoon Park, the Men’s -58kg Olympic champion, while Tunisian coach Yesbul Sultanov received the Coach of the Year award. Great Britain’s Andrew Deer was named Para Taekwondo Coach of the Year.
NEW CHANGES IN REFEREE AWARDS
In a shift from previous years, the referee awards underwent a restructuring, now honoring Olympic and Paralympic Referees of the Year exclusively during the respective Olympic and Paralympic years. Egypt’s May Mohamed Aly El Sayed was the first recipient of the Olympic Referee of the Year award, and Spain’s Paula Remirez Ruiz was named the inaugural Paralympic Referee of the Year.
The MNA of the Year award was presented to USA Taekwondo, recognized for its exceptional performance in the MNA Survey.
Two additional awards will be presented later. The Organizing Committee of the Paris 2024 Games will receive the Outstanding Contributions Award for their pivotal role in the successful staging of the event. Additionally, Bian Zhiliang, founder of Taishan Sports Group, will receive the 2nd Taekwondo Humanitarian Trophy for his generous donations to refugee camps, including transforming the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan with artificial turf.
The 2024 Gala Awards provided a fitting celebration for an incredible year in Taekwondo, one that saw athletes, coaches, and organizations achieve new heights in the sport. As the World Taekwondo community looks to the future, the night reaffirmed the commitment to excellence that drives the sport forward.
