World Taekwondo Council approves participation of Individual Neutral Athletes and Support Personnel at World Taekwondo promoted Championships

Extraordinary Council meeting in Wuxi. By WT

[By NBC-1TV K, Y Yi] (Apr. 3, 2023) - The World Taekwondo Council convened today for an Extraordinary meeting to discuss the IOC Executive Board’s recommendations for International Federations on the neutral participation of athletes and support personnel with Russian or Belarusian passports.

The Council reaffirmed its calls for peace and its solidarity with the Olympic community in Ukraine. World Taekwondo will continue to support Ukrainian athletes in ensuring they can participate in Taekwondo events.

Following deliberation, the Council decided to allow the participation of Individual Neutral Athletes and Support Personnel with Russian and Belarusian passport holders at the World Taekwondo-promoted Championships, starting from the Baku 2023 World Taekwondo Championships at the end of May.

A decision on the participation of Individual Neutral Athletes and Support Personnel with Russian and Belarusian passports in other events not promoted by World Taekwondo will be made after the Baku 2023 World Taekwondo Championships.

The Council also approved the establishment of a Review Committee and verification process to ensure strict neutrality of the participating Individual Neutral Athletes and Support Personnel.

The three-step verification process will involve verification by the Member National Association and Continental Union, followed by individual-led confirmation by the athletes and support personnel, before the final assessment and approval by the Review Committee.

The participation of any Individual Neutral Athletes in World Taekwondo promoted competitions will be held under the clear principles and guidelines established by the IOC Executive Board.