In a video message to the global taekwondo family, World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue said:

“Taekwondo has enjoyed 20 years of excellence as an Olympic sport since first appearing at an Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000. World Taekwondo is also the leading international sports federation in humanitarian and social development programs.

“Taekwondo Day is a day to remember the qualities that make taekwondo a truly global martial art and sport. Qualities like perseverance, respect, self-control and integrity are what we need right now in these challenging circumstances. I therefore call on the global taekwondo family to show our indomitable spirit and ride out the storm. We will emerge stronger together from the pandemic.”

IOC President Thomas Bach also joined in celebrating the special day. In a video message, President Bach said:

“26 years ago taekwondo became an Olympic sport and in the years since then it has established itself as a global sport, bringing together people all over the world in friendly competition and promoting the Olympic values.

“Taekwondo is more than just a sport. It is a belief in the power of sport as a force for good in the world. It is this shared belief in the power of sport that unites all of us in the Olympic community. This is why I would like to thank everyone at World Taekwondo, under the great leadership of President Choue, for being such a reliable partner in spreading the Olympic spirit around the world.”