World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue presented International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder with an honorary 8th Dan certificate in recognition of his unwavering support for Taekwondo in university sports.
The presentation took place during President Eder’s visit to the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea. World Taekwondo and FISU have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship. Taekwondo debuted at the FISU World University Games as an optional sport in Daegu 2003, following a decision by the FISU Executive Committee at its meeting in Beijing in July 2000. It also appeared in the next four editions as an optional sport.
The ties between World Taekwondo and FISU were further strengthened in November 2009, when the FISU Executive Committee voted at a meeting in Erzurum that Taekwondo become a compulsory sport at the FISU World University Games, starting in Taipei 2017. Taekwondo has remained part of the official program ever since thanks to the continued close collaboration between the two organizations.
President Choue praised the strength of World Taekwondo’s relationship with FISU. “I am very happy to present an honorary black belt to President Erder in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Taekwondo. World Taekwondo and FISU have enjoyed a strong relationship for many decades. We look forward to further strengthening this relationship in the years to come,” said President Choue.
President Eder commented, “It is an honor to receive an honorary black belt in taekwondo. Taekwondo is a very important sport for FISU. FISU will continue to cooperate closely with World Taekwondo and make sure that as many students as possible benefit from this great sport.” He added that Para Taekwondo would be included in the 2027 Chungcheong World University Summer Games in Chungcheong.
The ceremony was attended by Eric Saintrond, FISU Secretary General, Kim Chong-Yang, Chairman of Hanyang University Board of Trustees, You Byung-Jin, President of Myongji University, Chang Hosung, FISU Executive Committee member and Chairman of Dankook University Board, Russell Ahn, Chairman of FISU Taekwondo Technical Committee, Jung Kook-hyun, World Taekwondo Council members, Jeongkang Seo, World Taekwondo Secretary General.
After the awards ceremony, President Eder attended the opening ceremony of the Daegu 2024 World University Taekwondo Daegu University Taekwondo Festival. The Festival at Keimyung University Seongseo Campus includes two days of Kyorugi competition, followed by Poomsae events on Sunday.
