DPR Korea Tops Medal Tally at 10th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championship in India
The athletes of DPR Korea continue to consolidate their position as the nation of world champions during the event. You will see them soon in action during the upcoming world championship in Uzbekistan on 2-9 November this year.
BENGALURU (KARNATAKA, INDIA) – The 10th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championship, which unfolded at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, concluded with DPR Korea emerging as the dominant force, securing the highest number of medals. The championship, held from August 19 to 25, saw participation from 17 countries, with over 750 athletes competing across various categories.
DPR Korea led the medal tally with an impressive haul of 80 gold, 24 silver, and 9 bronze medals, showcasing their superior prowess in Taekwon-Do. India, the host nation, followed closely with 52 gold, 59 silver, and 98 bronze medals, demonstrating the country’s growing strength in the sport. Kazakhstan claimed the third spot with 32 gold, 39 silver, and 42 bronze medals, further highlighting the competitive spirit of the championship. 
Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan rounded out the top five, with Mongolia securing 26 gold, 8 silver, and 14 bronze medals, and Kyrgyzstan earning 12 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
The top fighters from each category were recognized with trophies for their exceptional performances.
In the Children’s Category, India secured first place, followed by Kyrgyzstan in second, and Kazakhstan in third. For the Junior Category, DPR Korea took the top spot, with Kazakhstan coming in second, and India in third. In the Adult Category, DPR Korea again emerged victorious, with Kazakhstan in second and Cambodia in third.
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| Children’s Category | India | Kyrgyzstan | Kazakhstan |
| Junior Category | DPR Korea | Kazakhstan | India |
| Adult Category | DPR Korea | Kazakhstan | Cambodia |
| Veteran (35-45 years) | Kazakhstan | Mongolia | India |
| Veteran (45+ years) | India | Malaysia | Russia |
The Veteran (35-45 years) Category saw Kazakhstan winning first place, Mongolia taking second, and India securing third. Finally, in the Veteran (45+ years) Category, India claimed first place, with Malaysia in second, and Russia in third.
The best fighters from each category were honored with trophies, highlighting their exceptional performances. The winners in different categories were:
The championship, organized by the Taekwon-Do Association of Karnataka (ITF) and affiliated with the Taekwon-Do Association of India, brought together athletes ranging in age from 8 to 70. The event was the largest of its kind ever held in India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s martial arts history.
Organized by the Taekwon-Do Association of Karnataka (ITF), affiliated with the Taekwon-Do Association of India—the sole representative of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Austria, in India—the championship featured competitions across various disciplines that are part of all ITF world-level events. Competitions were held across a range of disciplines, including Individual and Team Tuls, Sparring, Special Technique, Power Competition, and Self-Defense routines. The age categories and belt divisions ensured a comprehensive competition that catered to all levels of expertise.
The event was officially inaugurated on August 21 by the state government officials and top officials from the international Taekwon-Do community. The championship concluded with a closing ceremony on August 25, which celebrated the achievements of the athletes and the successful execution of the event.
The teams from the participating countries include India, DPR Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, UAE, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, U.K, Canada, and Afghanistan.
Grand Master Grand Master Prof. Ri Yong Son, President of the International Taekwondo Federation led entire event from the front and was present in Bengaluru throughout the championship till 25th August 2024. He only announced that Mongolia will host the 11th Asian ITF Taekwondo Championship in 2026. A decision to this effect was taken in a high-level meeting of the Asian Taekwondo Federation held in Bengaluru in his leadership.
Present on the occasion were Grand Master Prof. Dr. Dato Leong Wai Meng, Vice President of the International Taekwondo Federation Federation, Kim Myong Gun, President of the Asian Taekwon-Do Federation, Master Puran Tamta, Vice President of Taekwondo Association of India and Advisor to the President of the International Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tan Chek Si, Vice-President – Asian Taekwondo Federation, Malaysia Grand Master Son Song Gun, Chairman – Umpire Committee (ATF), DPR Korea, Master Keo Remy Sr Minister of Cambodia, KIM Myong Chol, First Secretary, Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and others.
Also present were Master Rachana Chourasia Rajendran, 8th Dan Black belt, is the Secretary General- Taekwon-do Association of INDIA, Master Pradeep Janardhana, 7th Dan Black Belt, Secretary General of the Taekwon-Do Association of Karnataka, and Vice Chairman of the 10th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championships, Grand master Dr.Rajendran Balan ( 9th DAN) vice president of Asian Taekwondo federation, founder & president of TAI, and Master Abdul Rahiman Mangalassery- 8th DAN black.
Participants competed in age categories ranging from 8-10, 11-13, 14-15, 16-17, 18-34, 35, 44 years to 45 years and above, with further divisions based on weight and belt levels. This ensures a comprehensive and inclusive competition that caters to all levels of expertise within the sport.
