KUCHING: Over 1,300 participants from 44 countries will converge in Sarawak’s capital for the 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet and Para Taekwondo Championships.
The prestigious event, scheduled from July 25 to August 1, 2025, will be held at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya.
President of Taekwondo Malaysia (WT) and the Sarawak State Taekwondo Association (TM/WT), Azizul Annuar Adenan, who also serves as Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), made the announcement in a press release.
“As the Organising Chairman, I would like to formally announce our esteemed role as organiser of the upcoming 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet and Para Taekwondo Championships.
“This prestigious event is scheduled to be held from July 25 to August 1, 2025, at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
“We are honoured to once again undertake the responsibility of hosting this prestigious continental event, having last done so in 1992.
“This marks a significant occasion for Malaysia, as it will be the first time in 33 years that we will have the privilege of hosting such a distinguished assembly,” he said.
He said the championships have attracted approximately 1,300 participants from 44 countries, including the Republic of China, with around 701 officials expected to attend.
“This event is poised to be a celebration of enthusiasm and fierce competition, elevating the competitive spirit among young athletes while promoting sportsmanship,” he added.
Azizul also confirmed that the opening ceremony, scheduled for July 26, 2025, will feature esteemed guests, including Dr Choue Chungwon, President of World Taekwondo (WT); Prof. Lee Kyu Seok, President of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU); Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM); and Pimol Srivikorn, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and Treasurer of World Taekwondo.
He said the ceremony will be honoured by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, representing the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In conjunction with the championships, the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) will also conduct its 2025 Council Meeting and Annual General Assembly on July 24, where leaders from all 44 participating countries will convene to elect a new president and committee members.
“I would also like to underscore our commitment to sustainable practices within the realm of sports.
“Our intention is for this event to be not only memorable but also responsible, setting a benchmark for future championships,” Azizul said.
He also announced that Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) has been awarded the bid to host five major Asian Taekwondo championships, namely:
• 13th Asian Junior Taekwondo Kyorugi Championship 2025;
• 8th Asian Junior Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2025;
• 6th Asian Cadet Taekwondo Kyorugi Championship 2025;
• 6th Asian Cadet Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2025; and
• 10th Asian Para Taekwondo Championship 2025.
