In a landmark session held on Monday September 30, the World Taekwondo General Assembly unanimously approved a series of significant amendments to the organization’s statutes, aimed at improving governance, enhancing sustainability, and promoting democracy within the sport. The changes, first endorsed by the World Taekwondo Council, are seen as key steps toward modernizing the organization and strengthening its global presence.
The reforms are designed to streamline the operations of the World Taekwondo Council by reducing its size from 37 to 25 members. Notably, a greater proportion of Council members will now be elected by the General Assembly, with only two appointments being made by the President, down from 10. This shift is intended to make the organization more democratic and responsive to its members.
Another significant change includes reducing the number of vice-presidents from eight to five, with three being elected, one appointed, and the highest-voted female Council member automatically filling the fifth spot. This marks a departure from the previous system, where five vice-presidents were ex-officio members, and others were appointed.
NEW LEVEL III
The reforms also aim to increase autonomy for Continental Unions and provide additional support to the most active Member National Associations (MNAs). A new Level III category has been introduced to allow more active MNAs to replace dormant ones, further enhancing the sport’s global reach.
World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue praised the approved changes, noting, “The amendments represent our, and my personal, determination to be more sustainable as a sport and as an Olympic and Paralympic International Federation. By making these changes, we are ensuring that our organization remains efficient and democratic.”
Choue emphasized that these reforms are part of a broader vision for World Taekwondo, one that aligns with the high standards set by other Olympic Federations ranked in the A1 category of the ASOIF Governance Review. “I am giving up some of the appointment powers vested in the President to help make the organization more democratic and streamlined,” Choue added, underscoring the importance of decentralization.
The assembly also paid tribute to former World Taekwondo Vice-President Grandmaster Soo-Nam Park and former Council member Grandmaster René Bundeli, both of whom passed away earlier this year. A moment of silence was held in their honor.
In addition to governance reforms, the assembly reviewed the 2023-2024 operational and financial reports and received updates on key events, including preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the competition rules for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
‘MORE’ JEONGKANG SEO
The General Assembly also saw Secretary General Jeongkang Seo’s term extended for another two years, starting on October 6. Seo’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the organization through these reforms.
During the first review of MNA Governance and Performance, top-performing nations were recognized based on criteria such as governance, participation, performance, events, and sustainability. The United States, Korea, Italy, France, and Great Britain emerged as the top five ranked MNAs.
President Choue also announced his intention to run for a final term as President at next year’s elective General Assembly, set to take place in Wuxi, China. His continued leadership, coupled with these reforms, is expected to position World Taekwondo for sustained growth and success in the years ahead.
These sweeping changes are a clear reflection of World Taekwondo’s commitment to good governance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport. With a more streamlined and democratic structure, the future of World Taekwondo looks promising for athletes and nations across the globe.
