Over 500 athletes from 12 countries of the world take part in the ninth edition of the South Korean Ambassador's Cup Taekwondo World Championship, which is held on November 15-16 at the "Futsal Arena FMF" sports complex in Ciorescu commune. On the occasion of the opening of the Cup, the new ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Moldova, based in Kiev, Ki-Chang Kwon, was also present.
During a press conference, held before the opening of the Cup, Ambassador Ki-Chang Kwon stated that it was his first visit to the Republic of Moldova and he was impressed, including by the organization of the event. Ki-Chang Kwon has said that Taekwondo is a very popular sport worldwide. For example, in the Republic of Moldova this sport is practiced by over two thousand athletes, and in Ukraine - by around 20 thousand athletes, this being a bridge between these two states and Korea. Ki-Chang Kwon mentioned that he also practiced this sport and achieved the black belt at Taekwondo, that was mandatory in the military service, which he completed when he was 20 years old.
"The history of Taekwondo dates back two thousand years and I am very pleased that this sport has enjoyed such popularity. Taekwondo is a martial art, which includes self-defense techniques. This sport also develops important conduct principles such as respect for the elderly, respect for the homeland. Many parents in Korea enroll their children in Taekwondo, as this sport cultivates their will, teaches them self-defense techniques and for these reasons this sport is very popular,” the ambassador noted.
The president of the National Taekwondo Federation, Igor Iuzefovici, has mentioned that the friendship between the people of the Republic of Moldova and Korea is a wonderful tradition, which is not limited only to this type of sport, but also to economic aspects and more. "Our federation obtains medals at international competitions, at European competitions and thus we contribute to the development of our country, as well as to its positioning on the international arena. And the more often the anthem of our country is heard at international competitions, the more our work is highlighted," pointed out Igor Iuzefovici.
Attending the event, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Education, Research, Youth, Sport and the Media, Adrian Lebedinschi, has stressed that organizing this competition over the years in the Republic of Moldova has a special significance for the development of sport. "Moldovan-Korean relations, as well as the relations with other states, concern not only the economy, but also culture and sports. Athletes are those ambassadors who can make famous the Republic of Moldova all over the world, and the results they obtain are extremely important”, added Adrian Lebedinschi
The winners of the competition will be awarded medals, cups and diplomas.
