Kathmandu, April 12: In an extraordinary milestone for Nepal, Raju Chhetri has carved his name in global Taekwondo history, becoming the first—and only—international master to be appointed Vice President of the Kukkiwon International Committee. Kukkiwon, the prestigious World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, stands as the heart and soul of the martial art, making this achievement nothing short of historic.

What makes this moment even more special? Raju Chhetri is the first non-Korean ever to hold such a high-ranking position in Kukkiwon’s leadership—an honor that speaks volumes about his skill, dedication, and the respect he commands in the global Taekwondo community. The appointment was formalized at Kukkiwon’s headquarters by none other than Dr. Lee Dong-Sup, President of Kukkiwon, and Moon-Sik Choi, former Secretary-General of World Taekwondo—two of the most influential figures in the sport.

Founded in 1972, Kukkiwon is not just the headquater of Taekwondo; it’s South Korea’s official national sport institution, with a reach spanning 213 countries and representing over 126 million black belt practitioners worldwide. For a Nepali to rise to such a position of leadership within this elite global fraternity is a testament to Raju Chhetri’s unwavering discipline, passion, and excellence.

His journey to this pinnacle has been nothing short of inspiring. Since 2023, he has served as a chief referee in some of the world’s most prestigious Taekwondo tournaments, including the US Open Championship, Korea’s Kimunyong Cup (G1-ranked), the Japan Open in Osaka, and the Seongnam Open in Korea. Through his role as an international referee, he has not only put Nepal on the global Taekwondo map but has also ignited hope and ambition in young Nepali athletes.

Long before this historic appointment, Chhetri had already proven his spirit as a champion. Back in 2008, he won a gold medal at the G2-ranked Korean Open International Championship, showcasing Nepal’s potential on the world stage.

Today, Raju Chhetri stands as a symbol of what’s possible—a Nepali breaking barriers, shattering ceilings, and earning global recognition through sheer hard work and perseverance. His story is a powerful reminder to every young dreamer in Nepal: no goal is too distant, no achievement too grand. With dedication, even the highest honors in the world can be within reach.