National Middle and High School Taekwondo Tournament Commemorating the March 15 Movement Held in Changwon

Changwon Special Mayor Hong Nampyo, "I hope all participants achieve good results according to their efforts"

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam announced on the 12th that the opening ceremony of the "19th March 15th Independence Movement Commemorative National Middle and High School Taekwondo Competition" was held at Masan Indoor Gymnasium.

The opening ceremony was attended by Hong Nam-pyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Joo Im-hwan, Chairman of the March 15th Independence Movement Commemorative Association, provincial and city council members, Yang Jin-bang, President of the Korea Taekwondo Association, as well as Taekwondo officials, athletes, and parents, totaling about 700 people. The event included an awards ceremony, athlete and referee oaths, and a demonstration performance by the Korea Taekwondo Association.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, is delivering a welcome speech.

Co-hosted by the Korea Taekwondo Association and the Gyeongnam Taekwondo Association, this competition was established in 2006 and is now in its 19th year, carrying on the noble values and spirit of the March 15th Independence Movement while promoting the development of Taekwondo as the national sport.

This year’s competition is especially meaningful as it is being held again in the birthplace of the March 15th Independence Movement after 12 years since it was last hosted in Changwon in 2012.

The competition will be held from the 11th to the 18th over eight days at Masan Indoor Gymnasium, featuring sparring matches divided by weight classes for both male and female participants.

National Middle and High School Taekwondo Competition Held in Changwon.

About 1,300 promising Taekwondo athletes from across the country will compete in 11 weight classes for middle school and 10 weight classes for high school, showcasing the skills they have honed.

During the competition, approximately 2,000 athletes, parents, and coaches are expected to visit Changwon City, utilizing accommodations and restaurants, which is anticipated to contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.

In his welcoming speech, Mayor Hong said, “I hope all participating athletes achieve good results commensurate with their efforts,” adding, “Just as the March 15th Independence Movement, which marks its 64th anniversary this year, helped Korea grow in history, we will spare no support to help our young athletes grow and develop further through Taekwondo.”