Kathmandu, August 12: The opening ceremony of the 10th MBC International Open Taekwondo Championship was held in Gyeoryong, South Korea’s National Defense City, where Nepal’s international referee Raju Chhetri served as a key official. The championship, held from July 7 to 11, saw participation from over 3,000 athletes representing 42 countries. Chhetri, an experienced referee, has previously officiated at notable international events, including the Songnam Open in South Korea and the Kimunyong Cup in Busan.

Chhetri also served as a referee at the 2025 World Ranking Kimunyong Cup Taekwondo Championship, held from July 5 to 8 at the Gijang Stadium in Busan, South Korea. This marked his third time officiating at the prestigious Kimunyong Cup. Additionally, Chhetri made history in April 2025 as the first foreign national appointed as Vice President of the Foreign Affairs Department at the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea.

Chhetri’s refereeing credentials extend to the US Open Taekwondo Championship, where he officiated for the third consecutive time, having previously served in Las Vegas in 2023 and Reno the following year. He has also officiated at other prominent events, including the World Ranking G-1 Kimunyong Cup, the Japan Open in Osaka, and the 2023 Songnam Open in South Korea.

Beyond his refereeing achievements, Chhetri is a decorated athlete. In 2008, he won a gold medal at the World Ranking G-2 Korean Open International Championship. In recognition of his contributions to sports, the South Korean government honored him with honorary citizenship in 2013. Chhetri remains a celebrated figure, both as a gold medalist and a respected international referee.