China is playing an increasingly influential role in global taekwondo beyond the performances of its athletes, World Taekwondo Secretary General Seo Jeong-kang said, as nearly 400 athletes took part in the 2026 World Taekwondo Women's Open Championships.
by sportswriters Chen Zhihao and Liu Yangtao
TAIYUAN, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- For World Taekwondo Secretary General Seo Jeong-kang, China's importance to the international taekwondo community is no longer measured solely by the performances of its athletes.
Nearly 400 athletes from more than 60 countries and regions gathered in China's northern city of Taiyuan for the 2026 World Taekwondo Women's Open Championships, putting the country's growing influence on the global development of the sport in the spotlight.
The three-day championships, which concluded on August 30, marked the first major women's taekwondo event of the new qualification cycle for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and drew a record number of participants.
"China has been one of the leading countries in taekwondo," Seo told Xinhua. "Its contribution is not only in athletes' performance, but also in the organization of international events and the decision-making process within World Taekwondo."
China has hosted a growing number of World Taekwondo events in recent years, a trend Seo said demonstrates the country's organizational capacity and expanding role in the sport.
"Taiyuan had previously hosted the 2023 World Taekwondo Grand Prix, giving World Taekwondo confidence in the city's ability to stage another major international event," Seo said.
He said China has remained among the world's leading taekwondo nations since the beginning of the 21st century and has a large pool of talented young athletes.
But Seo said China's role now extends well beyond competition.
Chinese officials serve on a range of World Taekwondo committees and decision-making bodies, contributing to different areas of the organization's work.
"China has the largest number of committee members appointed to work in different fields within World Taekwondo," he said.
As the global competitive level continues to rise and more countries and regions produce strong athletes, Seo said China faces new challenges in maintaining its position among the world's taekwondo powerhouses.
"China is already a top country in taekwondo," Seo said. "Keeping that position is more important."
China's role in international taekwondo is also closely tied to its exchanges with other leading countries and regions, particularly South Korea.
With 55 Chinese athletes and 13 South Korean athletes competing, the championships featured several closely contested matches between the two countries.
China and South Korea have long been major competitors on the international stage while maintaining extensive exchanges in coaching, training and competition.
Seo said such exchanges benefit athletes from both countries and help drive the development of taekwondo across Asia. ■
