On January 25, the Chinese Taekwondo Association held a pre-departure orientation and mobilization meeting in Beijing for the World Taekwondo Permanent International Referees Asia-Oceania Regional Selection Training Camp (hereinafter referred to as the “Selection Training Camp”). Liu Xiaohui, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Taekwondo Association, attended the meeting to deliver a mobilization speech and outline plans. Heads of the External Relations Department and the Competition Department outlined work requirements, and 11 international referees participating in the training camp attended the meeting.
This selection camp aims to select 300 permanent international referees from around the world (75 from the Asia region), and, following assessment and evaluation, to finalize the roster of referees who will officiate at the taekwondo events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as World Taekwondo (WTA)-organized G6-level events (including Grand Prix and Challenge Series) and higher. Our association attaches great importance to this initiative, and has selected and dispatched 11 international referees to participate in the training camp in accordance with World Taekwondo’s requirements. This marks the first large-scale organized overseas training program for international referees in recent years and will play a positive role in enhancing the technical proficiency of China’s taekwondo referees, strengthening the referee corps, and creating a favorable external environment for the national team’s preparations for and participation in the Los Angeles Olympics.
To ensure effective risk prevention and safety management, guarantee a safe and smooth training program, and achieve tangible results, Liu Xiaohui put forward three requirements: First, maintain a positive image. While abroad, all participating international referees will represent the image of China as a major nation and embody the fine conduct and overall professionalism of the Chinese Taekwondo Association’s refereeing corps; they must work together in unity, speak and act with propriety, and conduct themselves appropriately. Second, emphasize competence. As this selection camp determines eligibility to officiate at international competitions during the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, all participating international referees must hone their professional skills, build their core competencies, and better serve the nation and the development of the sport. While abroad, they must foster friendly exchanges and actively contribute to the development of taekwondo. Third, prioritize safety. Amid the current century-defining global changes and the accelerating strategic competition between China and the United States, the external environment remains severe and complex. All participating international referees must firmly uphold the bottom line in foreign affairs, strictly observe diplomatic discipline, and strengthen their safety awareness to ensure political security, personal safety, and the security of their property.
At the meeting, the External Relations Department and the Competition Department each outlined specific requirements regarding the upcoming trip. The international referees in attendance unanimously agreed that the pre-departure orientation and mobilization meeting was substantive, clearly focused, and precise in its requirements; it served to unite everyone and helped all participants further strengthen their sense of responsibility and mission.
On January 26, 11 referees will depart for Kazakhstan to participate in the World Taekwondo Permanent International Referee Selection Training Camp (Asia-Oceania Region).
