World Taekwondo (WT) President President Choue Chung-won, left, awards International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder an honorary eighth dan black belt certificate at the WT headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of World Taekwondo

World Taekwondo (WT) President President Choue Chung-won awarded International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder an honorary eighth dan black belt certificate, Thursday, in recognition of his unwavering support for taekwondo in university sports. The presentation took place during Eder's visit to the WT headquarters in Seoul.

WT and FISU have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship. Taekwondo debuted at the 2003 FISU World University Games, formerly known as the Universiade, in Daegu as an optional sport following a decision by the FISU Executive Committee in July 2000. It appeared as an optional sport in the next four editions before becoming a compulsory sport in 2017. Since then, it has remained part of the official program.

President Choue hailed the strength of WT's relationship with FISU.

“I am very happy to present an honorary black belt to President Erder in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Taekwondo. World Taekwondo and FISU have enjoyed a strong relationship for many decades. We look forward to building on this relationship in the years ahead.” Choue said.

Eder said, “It is an honor to receive an honorary Taekwondo black belt. Taekwondo is a very important sport for FISU. FISU will continue to cooperate closely with World Taekwondo and ensure as many students as possible benefit from this great sport.” He added that Para Taekwondo would be included in the 2027 Chungcheong Summer World University Games.

Following the ceremony, Eder will attend the opening ceremony of the Daegu 2024 World University Taekwondo Festival on Friday.