The 2026 Korean Ambassador Cup begins in Abuja on Friday, with about 350 athletes expected to compete across various categories of the sport.
The 14th edition of the tournament will take place at Mo Arena, Abuja, with Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Yo-an Jeong, among the dignitaries expected to attend.
The competition is being organised in line with international best practices in taekwondo and will feature a live demonstration by the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team on the final day on Sunday.
President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Tayo Popoola, said the team’s appearance would bring additional international attention to the event.
“We are so proud to be doing this in Nigeria and so come the final day of the Korean Ambassadors Cup on Sunday, the Kukkiwon Demonstration team will be on parade.
“All is set and we are ready for a very entertaining days of so much fun and education for the athletes and officials of the sport.
“I thank the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Chairman, Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Bukola Olopade for all the support given to us,” Popoola said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), in partnership with World Taekwondo, has classified more than 20 para-taekwondo athletes ahead of the competition and the 2026 World Para Taekwondo Championships.
The classification exercise took place on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, under the theme, “Empowering Abilities Through Taekwondo.”
The exercise is expected to support greater international participation by Nigerian para-taekwondo athletes.
Those classified include Ololade Jafar Hassan, Martha Agoola, Samson Folorunso, Liberty Bright, Priest Ifechukwude Anukposi, Cedrick Ogechukwu Eyam and Usman Taiwo Sanusi.
Others are Paul Owoidoabasi, Abdulrazaq Akintola Awoniyi, Daniel Okanlawon, Musa Bala, Abdullahi Muhammad, Abdurahmon Zakariyya and Muhammendnuhu Abdulganiyu.
Speaking during the exercise, international classifier Claudia Sanches described Nigerian para-taekwondo athletes as talented and capable of improving their performances. She also expressed optimism about their prospects in the sport.
The Korean Ambassador Cup will run until Sunday, with the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team scheduled to perform on the final day.
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