As India, the world’s most populous country and an emerging global economic powerhouse, sees a growing enthusiasm for Taekwondo among its youth, Korea and India have taken a major step forward in fostering Taekwondo exchange.

On August 3, 2025, the World Children Taekwondo Union (WCTU), in collaboration with the Department of Taekwondo at Sangji University, hosted the “2025 Korea-India Children’s Taekwondo Friendship Exchange Training Camp” at Sangji University’s Taekwondo Training Center (Changjo Hall) in Wonju, Korea.

Exchange Between 40 Indian Delegates and 60 Korean Participants

The camp featured a 40-member Indian Taekwondo delegation led by Shivram Makwana, President of WCTU India and Deputy Secretary General, along with approximately 60 young Korean Taekwondo practitioners and their parents from local dojangs in Wonju.

The morning session included friendly competitions in sparring by weight class and poomsae (forms). In the afternoon, participants attended a special training session led by Kang Ik-Pil, Director of the WCTU Central Training Center and Chair of the Technical Development Committee, focusing on poomsae techniques and self-defense.

Cultural Unity through Indian Cuisine

A special luncheon featuring traditional Indian cuisine, prepared by the Indian delegation, provided a warm setting for deeper cultural exchange between the children and their families from both countries.

WCTU: “Our Goal is to Inspire and Expand the Global Mindset of Children”

WCTU President Rhee Sang-Gi stated, “One of WCTU’s core missions is to inspire hope in children and broaden their horizons through Taekwondo exchanges with peers from other countries. Though this camp is modest in size, it marks an important starting point for ongoing Taekwondo cooperation with India.”

Shim Un-Taek, Director of External Cooperation at Sangji University, emphasized, “This Korea-India exchange program is a meaningful step toward globalizing Sangji University’s Taekwondo Department. We will continue to actively support future development of such exchange activities.”

Corporate Support Strengthens Cultural Diplomacy

The event was supported by Khanaires India Private Limited, a social enterprise that recently launched the world’s first copyright-based digital rights trading platform (Khanway.in) in India. Recognized for its innovative creator revenue model, the company provided multifaceted support to promote Korea-India cultural ties and goodwill.

WCTU to Establish Chapters in All 29 Indian States

Looking ahead, the WCTU plans to expand its presence across India by establishing regional chapters in all 29 states and organizing official WCTU-hosted children’s Taekwondo tournaments.

On July 12–13, a successful Taekwondo poomsae and sparring competition was held at Kongunadu Arts and Science College Gymnasium in Tamil Nadu, India, drawing around 1,000 Taekwondo athletes under the age of 15, hosted by the WCTU India branch.

Continuing the Legacy of WCTU Founder Grandmaster Park Soo-Nam

The WCTU was founded in 2011 by Grandmaster Park Soo-Nam, former President of the European Taekwondo Union and Vice President of World Taekwondo (WT), with the vision of empowering children to pursue “Dreams, Challenges, and Vision.” The WCTU is designated as a public-interest donation organization by Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Lee Changwoo reporter cwlee@nvp.co.kr