The 2026 Korean Ambassadors Cup gets under way in Abuja today, with around 350 athletes set to compete across the different categories on the programme.

The tournament, now in its 14th edition, will be staged at the Mo Arena in the Nigerian capital. Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Yo-an Jeong is expected among the distinguished guests at an event being run in line with international taekwondo standards.

Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria president Tayo Popoola said the competition will receive an added international dimension through the appearance of the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team in Abuja.

“We are extremely proud to host this in Nigeria, and the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team will perform on the final day of the Korean Ambassadors Cup on Sunday,” Popoola said.

“Everything is in place for entertaining days filled with enjoyment and learning opportunities for athletes and officials. I appreciate the National Sports Commission leadership, headed by chairman Shehu Dikko and director-general Bukola Olopade, for the support they have provided.”

On Thursday, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, working alongside World Taekwondo, completed the classification of more than 20 para-taekwondo competitors, a development intended to expand their opportunities to take part internationally ahead of the World Para Taekwondo Championships.

The classification programme was held at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja before the start of the 2026 Korean Ambassador Cup, whose theme is “Empowering Abilities Through Taekwondo.”

The para athletes involved include Ololade Jafar Hassan, Martha Agoola, Samson Folorunso, Liberty Bright, Priest Ifechukwude Anukposi, Cedrick Ogechukwu Eyam and Usman Taiwo Sanusi.

Also classified were Paul Owoidoabasi, Abdulrazaq Akintola Awoniyi, Daniel Okanlawon, Musa Bala, Abdullahi Muhammad, Abdurahmon Zakariyya and Muhammendnuhu Abdulganiyu.

International classifier Claudia Sanches praised the ability of Nigeria’s para-taekwondo athletes during the exercise, saying they possess significant talent and have the potential to raise their performance levels further. She expressed confidence in their future prospects within the sport.