The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with Taekwondo Federation in Sri Lanka, hosted the Awards’ ceremony of the Ambassador’s cup Taekwondo Championship on March 3, 2021 at the Embassy premises.
The Sports Minister, Namal Rajapaksa, was invited to this momentous occasion to recognise the talents of the Sri Lankan youth and present the awards to the winners of the competition.
Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG stated in his welcoming speech, “I strongly believe that the Taekwondo in Sri Lanka has huge potentials and more to achieve. The Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka will continue to make every effort to support for further development of Sri Lankan Taekwondo. It is indeed delightful to witness cooperation between the young people on sportsmanship which will create a new highlight in Korea-Sri Lanka relations”.
The expanding Taekwondo movement among Sri Lankans is contributing to nurturing and strengthening the foundation for sports public diplomacy as well as fostering friendly Korean and Sri Lankan ties. The tournament drew more than 2000 competitors island wide to participate virtually amid the pandemic. All participants were admired for their enthusiasm in taking part with vigour in the true spirit of the sport of Taekwondo.
The following referees were presented awards to for their excellent performances in the tournament.
- T. I. Fernando
- M. Ajantha Karunaratne
- B. C. I. Thushara
Five successful winners from the open category and university category were presented awards.
Under the open category, the following winners were awarded valuable prizes.
- Didula Hansaka – Badulla Old Duthiyans Club
- Dulaksha Devindi
- N. M. Nishman – Dharmapala Taekwondo Club, Ratnapura
Under the University category the winners were:
- G. S. S. Tharangani -University of Uva Wellassa
- A. D. M. K. M. Kathriarachchi -University of Ruhuna
Taekwondo has been instrumental to showcase local talents in the international platforms such as South Asian Games 2019. The four Sri Lankan winners of the 2019 Korean Ambassador’s Championship won a total of four medals including three Golds and one Silver at the World Korean Ambassador’s Cup. Moreover Sri Lankan Team won many medals including four Golds at the 13th South Asian Games 2019.
The Ambassador, Santhush Woonjin Jeong presented Sports Minister, Namal Rajapaksa an Appreciation plaque as a token of goodwill for his presence and encouragement to promote Taekwondo in Sri Lanka.
The President of Sri Lanka Taekwondo Federation, Kanchana Jayaratne stated in his congratulatory remarks, “This tournament was a great opportunity for Sri Lankan athletes in Taekwondo to showcase their talents. The Federation recognises the support and the goodwill extended by the Korean Ambassador to promote the development of Taekwondo in Sri Lanka. We will continue to make efforts to promote taekwondo education between Korea and the Sri Lanka”.
Ambassador’s cup Taekwondo Championship has successfully contributed to deepening the ties between the two countries by providing recognition and a platform for the Sri Lankan athletes to participate in a competition and develop their talents.
The interest and dedication to learn Taekwondo is an example of how the true spirit of sportsmanship has transcended national borders. The Korean Embassy will strive to deepen and strengthen the Korea-Sri Lanka friendship by promoting events to develop athletic skills for the youth nationwide.
