Kathmandu, 24 June : This morning, the International Open Friendship Taekwondo Championship-Nepal (IOFTC-Nepal) held a vibrant farewell ceremony to celebrate two Taekwondo heroes heading to international events.

Renown referee Master Ashok Khada was celebrated for his prestigious appointment at the World Ranking G2 Australian Open in Vienna, set for June 28-29, 2025, highlighting Nepal’s prominence in global Taekwondo. As the head of the Nepalese Taekwondo Academy in Nepal, Master Khada trains over 100 dedicated students, many of whom have competed in international championships.

Master, Raj Kumar Darai, President of the World Olympics Taekwondo Federation (WOTF) Nepal office, was cheered for his participation in the 2025 World Olympics Taekwondo championship in Korea, from June 26 to July 5, 2025. Mr. Darai will compete in the 68-72 kg Gyeorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms) in the senior category. He’ll also receive a special presidential honor during the event.

The farewell ceremony, attended by National Taekwondo team coach Master Nabin Kumar Shrestha, IOFTC-Nepal secretary Master Giri Bahadur Sunar, and Master Min Neupane, was filled with pride. Mr. Shrestha and Mr. Sunar presented Mr. Khada and Mr. Darai with traditional Khada and Rudraksha mala as tokens of respect and good luck.

IOFTC is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the 15th International Open Friendship Taekwondo Championship in Nepal, December 18-20, 2025. Co-hosted with WOTF, this event will bring top global athletes together, boosting cultural exchange and competition. IOFTC-Nepal, officially registered in Nepal, is passionate about growing Taekwondo and connecting cultures worldwide. IOFTC was Founded in Portland, USA, in 2000 by Grandmaster Dewakar Dan Maharjan.

The Nepalese Taekwondo community is thrilled for Mr. Khada and Mr. Darai’s global journey. With big plans in motion, the December championship is set to be a historic moment for Nepal’s Taekwondo legacy.