In approximately 15 days, the iconic city ofRio de Janeirowill once again ignite the continental taekwondo scene. FromMay 7 to 10, 2026,Arena Carioca 1, in theOlympic Park,will be the epicenter of Pan American taekwondo, hosting thePan American Senior G4 Championship, Parataekwondo, Poomsae, and the Pan American Open for cadets, juniors, and under-21s,all part of a single week of high-impact competition. Brazilarrives as host and protagonist. TheCBTKDis at the head of the organizing committee, with the technical support of the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU) and (WT), and with a powerful narrative: competing at home, in an Olympic venue, after a growth cycle that has already established the country as a continental and world power. The atmosphere promises some highly anticipated matchups. In the-80 kg category, the duel everyone wants to see once again has a name on the line:Henrique Marques vs. CJ Nickolas. The Brazilian has recently established himself as one of the world's top fighters, while the American remains a leading figure in the division. Also competing in this category is ChileanJoaquín Churchill, who reachedNo. 3 in the world rankings for the -80 kg division, a historic achievement for Chile. In the women's -49 kgcategory,another chapter of continental tension could be on the cards:Andrea Ramírezof Colombia facesDaniela Souzaof Mexico , the 2022 world champion. Ramírez comes into the match strengthened after winning the2026 US Open, while Souza responded with gold at the2026 Canada Open. Mexico will also have a heavy eye onCarlos Sansores, a major figure in the +87 kg division, called upon to hold his own against rivals from theUnited States and Cuba, in a division where every fight seems like an early final. Riowill not only bring together established names. The Pan American Games week will also be a platform for the new generation: cadets, juniors, and under-21s will compete under World Tour rules, with seeding based on world rankings and a structure aimed at the continent's immediate future. Furthermore, in poomsae, we could witness the brilliance of MexicanWilliam Arroyoor Puerto RicanArelis Medina, both contenders for the Pan American title, along with GuatemalanMaria Higueros. The message is clear: the Americas are arriving in Rio with world and Olympic champions, rising stars, and fierce rivalries. Brazil will be more than just a host; it will be a judge, a participant, and a local powerhouse. And the Carioca Arena 1 is once again preparing to host a gathering of the best in the Americas. As a testament to its status as host nation and emerging power, Brazil arrives in Rio riding high on the momentum of a historic performance at the 2025 World Championships in Wuxi, where it achieved one of its best showings ever. There,Henrique Marquesbecame world champion in the -80 kg category—marking a milestone for Brazilian men's taekwondo—whileMaria Clara Pachecodid the same in the -57 kg category, solidifying the country's dominance in women's taekwondo. These two gold medals were complemented by silver medals fromEdival Pontes and Milena Titoneli, completing a tally that placed Brazil among the elite of the world medal standings and positions this generation as one of the most competitive on the continent heading into the Pan American Games. In this context, the Pan American Para taekwondo competition inRiois shaping up to be incredibly strong, with the presence—or at least the expectation—of the continent's top athletes who shone at theParis 2024 Paralympic Gamesand are now considered the ones to beat. Leading the pack is PeruvianLeonor Espinoza,Paralympic champion in the K44 -47 kg category and the undisputed leader in the division. Alongside her are MexicanLuis Mario Nájera,silver medalist in the K44 -80 kg category, and his compatriotJuan Diego García López,bronze medalist in the K44 -70 kg category, solidifying Mexico's position as one of the strongest teams. In that same category appears the ChileanJuan Eduardo Samorano,also a bronze medalist in Paris, while in the heavyweight division the AmericanEvan Medell(bronze in +80 kg) completes the group of elite contenders. Brazil, the host country, is not to be outdone and will present its top athletes: Among them isAna Carolina Silva de Moura,who qualifiedfor the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the K44 -65 kg category, marking a historic milestone for the country and confirming its status as a world leader in her division. Alongside her isDébora Menezes,a leading figure in the +65 kg category, established as one of the most consistent athletes on the international circuit. Maria Eduarda Machado and Débora Menezes, who have been world medalists and dominators of the recent Pan American circuit, reflecting the depth of the Brazilian team. In a broader sense of international experience, names likeCristhiane Neves —world medalist— and Leylianne Santos —regularPan American podium finisher and Grand Prix protagonist— complete a group that combines experience and competitiveness. If they appear at theCarioca Arena,Nathan Torquato, K44 -63 kg, and Silvana Fernandes,K44 -57 kg, both with experience and regularity on Paralympic podiums, could be key to Brazil's resultsin the Pan American Games This achievement also deserves institutional recognition: congratulations to the president of the CBTKD,Rivanaldo Freitas,its board of directors and the high-performance team led byHenrique Precioso and Juan Moreno,whose work and advice have been key to positioning Brazil as a comprehensive power in world taekwondo. https://mundotaekwondo.com/panamericanos-de-taekwondo-en-rio-la-reunion-de-los-mejores-de-america/

Astana, Kazakhstan – August 16, 2025 – A historic moment for taekwondo took place at the Kazakhstan Open 2025, where KPNP officially unveiled its next-generation innovative E-Gloves to an international audience. THIS EVENT MARKS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE EVOLUTION OF ELECTRONIC SCORING AND ATHLETE MONITORING WITHIN THE SPORT. For the first time, the new E-Gloves were used in a live competitive environment, seamlessly integrating with the championship’s electronic scoring system. Their debut was met with enthusiasm from athletes, coaches, and international federations. The E-Gloves are designed to detect valid strikes with greater accuracy and speed, providing referees with increased reliability and ensuring fairer and more transparent results in competition. Their lightweight structure and ergonomic design also ensure that athletes’ performance is not compromised. “This is much more than the launch of a product; it is the beginning of a new era for taekwondo,” stated a KPNP spokesperson. “OUR MISSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO INNOVATE WITH PURPOSE, AND THE E-GLOVES ARE PROOF OF THAT VISION. WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THEM HERE AT THE KAZAKHSTAN OPEN 2025.” With this successful presentation, KPNP reaffirms its leadership in taekwondo technology, setting new standards for how the sport is practiced and judged at the highest levels. KAZAKHSTAN OPEN REPORT source:https://mundotaekwondo.com/

Chuncheon, South Korea – July 7, 2025 – The city of Chuncheon is set to become the global epicenter of taekwondo by hosting the 2025 World Cup Taekwondo Team Championships, one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar organized by World Taekwondo (WT). This championship brings together the best national teams and mixed squads in a dynamic team format where collective spirit, tactical prowess, and technical excellence take center stage. Held at the Chuncheon Gangwon Sports Center, the tournament will welcome continental delegations, positioning Chuncheon as a key venue in the global development of taekwondo. The KPNP electronic system will be used. Hosting the championship in Chuncheon, a city with a deep martial arts tradition in Korea, adds symbolic value. In addition to the competition, spectators will enjoy cultural showcases, public activities, and breaking championships, reinforcing the bond between taekwondo, its community, and its roots. source:https://mundotaekwondo.com/