WUXI, China (Oct. 16, 2025) - The global Taekwondo community is preparing to converge on the Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center from October 24-30 for what promises to be a thrilling and historic World Taekwondo Championships.

 

The Wuxi 2025 World Taekwondo Championships will welcome an unprecedented 991 registered athletes, surpassing the previous record of 970 set at Muju 2017. This milestone reflects the sport's remarkable growth and global appeal, with representation from 179 countries, plus the Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) delegation, World Taekwondo delegation and the Refugee team (TRT).

 

It will be the second time China has hosted the World Championships, with Beijing playing host in 2007 since which Wuxi has established as one of the world’s leading Taekwondo hosts – synonymous with the Grand Slam Champions Series.

 

Athletes will compete across 16 weight categories – eight men and eight women – with the elite line up featuring numerous Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists:

• Firas KATOUSI (TUN) – Paris 2024 M-80kg champion, competing in M-80kg
• Arian SALIMI (IRI) – Paris 2024 M+80kg champion, competing in M+87kg
• Yu-jin KIM (KOR) – Paris 2024 W-57kg champion, competing in W-57kg
• Viviana MARTON (HUN) – Paris 2024 W-67kg champion, competing in W-62kg
• Althéa LAURIN (FRA) – Paris 2024 W+67kg champion, competing in W-73kg

 

Beyond the competition, the World Championships will also celebrate Taekwondo culture:

• Opening Ceremony: The renowned World Taekwondo Demonstration Team will deliver a spectacular performance
• Freestyle Poomsae Showcase: During competition breaks, audiences will enjoy performances from Hong Kong 2024 WT Poomsae Championships medalists and local freestyle poomsae teams
• Virtual Taekwondo Experience Zone: Spectators can explore e-sports through hands-on demonstrations with cutting-edge devices
• Athlete Commentators: Elite athletes will provide expert analysis during semifinals, finals, and medal ceremonies

 

On the eve of the World Championships on October 23, the World Taekwondo General Assembly will be held which will feature elections of the President, Vice-President, Council Members and Auditor as well as discussions on amendment to World Taekwondo Competition rules and statutes.

 

Elected officials will serve a four-year term from October 31, 2025, through the conclusion of the 2029 World Championships.

Candidates are:

• President
  • Chungwon Choue stands as the sole candidate for President
• Vice President
  • Six candidates are standing for three positions, each representing a different Continental Union
  • The female Council member receiving the highest number of votes will be elevated to Vice President
• Council Members
  • 34 candidates are competing for 14 seats
  • Each Continental Union must include one male and one female representative (10 seats)
  • The remaining four seats will go to candidates with the highest votes overall, regardless of gender or Continental Union
• Auditor
  • Ali Sagirkaya (Turkiye) stands as the sole candidate

 

Full details on all candidates can be found here