Celebrating 60th anniversary of Korea-Jordan diplomatic relations through Taekwondo

AMMAN — The first Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Poomsae Championship was held at Arena Hall, Sport City, in Amman on Friday, according to a statement from the South Korean Embassy in Amman.

In this championship, held the patronage of the Korean embassy in Amman and the Jordan Taekwondo Federation (JTF), over 50 Jordanians participated in the championship, which consisted of individual, pair, team, and freestyle divisions. The top players of each division were awarded the gold, silver, and bronze medals, and the trophies for three Taekwondo centres based on the number of medals their players got. About 200 family members of the players and Taekwondo fans gathered to congratulate them.

Lee Jae-wan, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, said: “I am pleased to hold the first Ambassador’s Cup Championship, following the joint Taekwondo performance held in Amman last July, on the occasion of the 60th diplomatic relations between the two countries. Now Taekwondo is one of the valuable assets in the cultural cooperation between them and laying the groundwork for the nurturing of close connections between the two peoples.”

Faisal Abdallat, JTF secretary general, said: “Taekwondo is one of the most popular sports in this country, and I am pleased that many Taekwondo practitioners are encouraged by this ambassador’s cup. I hope to have a chance to hold another Ambassador’s Cup next year.”

Saleh Ahmad, a coach of Jabal Amman Club, which was awarded the first prize, said: “I am very happy for joining this first Poomsae Championship. Particularly, I appreciate the Korean embassy and the JTF. Taekwondo is the motivation of my life.”

And coach Khalil Akil Kamal, of Family Taekwondo Academy, which took second place, said: “I am very thankful for this event with the presence of the honoured guests, and I am so proud of this event. For the next event, I would like to have more divisions for young children.”

Since Taekwondo was introduced to Jordan in the early 1970s, the number of practitioners in the country has reached over one million, and over 150 Taekwondo centres.

This Ambassador’s Cup Poomsae competition, held for the first time in Jordan, provided an opportunity for many Jordanian Taekwondo practitioners to experience a spirit of cooperation between Korea and Jordan.

On the occasion of 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Jordan, the embassy also held a series of cultural events including a joint art exhibition titled “Breaking the Borders” in May, a Joint Taekwondo performance with K-Tigers in June, Korean Food Night in July, and K-pop concert in August. Against this backdrop, this event was designed to support and encourage Taekwondo practitioners in Jordan.