Seongnam, South Korea, Jult 21 : The Seongnam Open International Taekwondo Championships 2025, held on July 19-20 in Seongnam, South Korea, brought together over 2,000 athletes from 45 countries in a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. Nepal’s contingent, comprising athletes from the Nepal Police Taekwondo Team and the Armed Police Force, delivered an outstanding performance, securing multiple gold medals and earning widespread acclaim.

A highlight of the event was the exemplary officiating by Raju Chhetri, an esteemed international referee and a prominent figure in the global taekwondo community. Chhetri, who made history in April 2025 as the first foreigner appointed Vice President of the Overseas Department at World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea, brought his extensive expertise to ensure fair and seamless matches.

Chhetri’s refereeing credentials are remarkable,officiating at the US Open Taekwondo Championship (Las Vegas 2023 and Reno 2024). He has also served as a referee at prestigious competitions such as the G-1 Kimunyong Cup in South Korea, the Japan Open in Osaka, and the 2023 Seongnam Open. A former taekwondo athlete, Chhetri won a gold medal at the 2008 G-2 Korean Open International Championship and was honored with honorary South Korean citizenship in 2013 for his contributions to the sport.

Nepal’s Medal Haul

Nepal’s athletes showcased exceptional talent, securing a total of seven gold medals across various categories:

Under 40 Category

• Ms. Sita Tamang: 2 Gold Medals (Individual and Pair)
• Mr. Jit Bahadur Bot: 2 Gold Medals (Pair and Team)
• Mr. Prem Bahadur Limbu: 2 Gold Medals (Individual and Team)
• Mr. Anjan Chaudhary: Gold Medal (Team)

Under 30 Category

• Ms. Shramila Lama: Gold Medal (Individual)
• Mr. Niraj Deuba: Gold Medal (-87 kg Kyorugi)

The achievements of Nepal’s athletes and the distinguished officiating by Raju Chhetri underscored the nation’s growing prominence in international taekwondo. Their success at the Seongnam Open International Taekwondo Championships 2025 is a testament to their dedication and skill, bringing pride to Nepal on the global stage.