KUCHING: A strong display of international unity and sports diplomacy unfolded at the opening of the 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet and Para Taekwondo Championships, where top officials reaffirmed their commitment to growing the sport globally with Sarawak emerging as a rising hub.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, representing the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, extended a warm welcome to all delegates, athletes and officials gathered at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya.
“It is my great honour and pleasure, on behalf of the Premier, to welcome all of you to Kuching.
“Bring more world-class tournaments and big event, the Government of Sarawak will continue to support,” he said.
Rentap also extended a personal invitation to the President of World Taekwondo (WT), Dr Choue Chung-Won, to return for future editions of international tournaments in Sarawak.
Also present were several high-ranking dignitaries from the international taekwondo community, including Prof. Lee Kyu-Seok; Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM); and Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
Azizul Annuar Adenan, President of Taekwondo Malaysia (WT) and Persatuan Taekwondo Negeri Sarawak (TM/WT), described this illustrious championship as not only signifies Malaysia’s significant re-entry into the regional taekwondo arena after more than thirty years, but also accentuates Sarawak’s capabilities as an esteemed host.
“This championship also represents a landmark achievement – the inaugural international para taekwondo tournament hosted in Malaysia – featuring an unprecedented number of participants in the Junior and Cadet Taekwondo Championships.
“I look forward to our continued collaborative efforts in promoting Sarawak as a central hub for major sports events, further strengthening ties within the global taekwondo community, and inspiring our youth through such meaningful engagements,” Azizul said.
Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Khairul Nizam Morshidi, and Acting Director of the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) also attended the ceremony alongside WT, Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) and Taekwondo Malaysia (WT) executive board committee.
