Over the last few days, significant developments regarding the recognition status of India Taekwondo (IT) have been circulating across multiple WhatsApp groups, marking a potential turning point for the sport in India. Here’s a detailed look at what has unfolded and what it could mean for Taekwondo athletes and stakeholders nationwide.

1. Letter from World Taekwondo to IOA President

On 26th March 2025, a letter surfaced addressed to Ms. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), from Mr. Jeongkang Seo, Secretary General of World Taekwondo (WT). In this communication, WT formally confirmed that India Taekwondo is their recognized Member National Association (MNA).

WT strongly urged the IOA President to “normalize” the status of their affiliate member India Taekwondo, signalling a clear international endorsement and seeking alignment at the national level.

2. MYAS Official Notification Confirms Affiliation

Shortly after the WT letter, another document began circulating—a formal notification numbered 72-03/2024-SP-I, issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS). This communication, addressed to the President and Secretary General of India Taekwondo, stated that the ministry had approved their request for recognition, considering several factors including:

• Previous correspondence from World Taekwondo and Asian Taekwondo Union confirming IT’s affiliations
• The need to resolve long-standing internal disputes for the growth of the sport
• Preparation and participation of Indian athletes in the 2026 Asian Games and Para Asian Games

This recognition offers legitimacy and opens doors for Indian Taekwondo athletes to compete under official flags at upcoming major events.

3. Response to Complaints by Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI)

A third letter, numbered 72-19/2024-SP-I(ii), written by Mr. Surendra Yadav, Under Secretary to the Government of India, addressed a complaint lodged by Mr. Prabhat Sharma of the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) against Mr. Namdev Shirgaonkar, President of India Taekwondo.

In his response, Mr. Yadav referenced the earlier MYAS recognition letter and reiterated that India Taekwondo was granted affiliation due to its international legitimacy and long-term potential to serve Indian athletes. This directly supports IT’s position while indirectly invalidating any lingering rival claims over national leadership in the sport.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Opportunity for Indian Taekwondo

This recent alignment of recognition from World Taekwondo (WT), the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) marks a historic moment for the sport in India. For years, athletes, coaches, and officials have been caught in administrative uncertainty—but now, that chapter seems to be coming to a close.

For the first time in years:

• 🇮🇳 Indian athletes can officially represent the nation at major events like the World Championships, Asian Games 2026, and Para Asian Games, with proper recognition and government support.
• 💰 Funding opportunities may now open up for athletes, especially for events like the World Championships, which many had to self-fund in the past.
• 🛡️ Teams from paramilitary, armed forces, and other government institutions—who were previously unable to participate—can now be expected to compete in recognized domestic and international events.
• 🥋 With major events like the 6th Asian Cadet Kyorugi and Poomsae Championships and the 8th Asian Junior Taekwondo Poomsae Championships on the calendar, this recognition could not have come at a better time.

This normalization brings renewed hope and long-overdue clarity. We share these important developments to keep every stakeholder in Indian Taekwondo well-informed—because timely, verified information is the first step toward progress.

Stay tuned for more.