Bangkok: The World Taekwondo Federation is gearing up to introduce four additional gold medal categories at the 2032 Olympic Games in Australia. Currently, the Olympic program features eight taekwondo gold medals, and the proposal aims to increase this to 12 by adding two more gold medals each for the men's and women's fighting categories.
According to Thai News Agency, this development was discussed during the World Taekwondo Federation's general meeting at the World Hotel Grand Juna in Wuxi, People's Republic of China. Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, who serves as the president of both the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, attended the meeting alongside "Coach Che" Chatchai Che, the head coach of the Thai national taekwondo team. A significant agenda item was the election of the federation's president and vice president. Dr. Chang Won-chu, a South Korean who has led the federation for 20 years, will continue as president for his final term, as no other candidates applied for the position.
Asst. Prof. Pimol expressed optimism about the proposal, noting that it would enhance opportunities for Thai athletes to compete in the Olympic Games. The meeting also coincides with the debut of "Nok" Pannpa Hansuchin at the World Championships in China. Pannpa, who was the 2019 world champion in the 53-kilogram category, is set to compete in the women's 57-kilogram category at the sixth edition of the World Championships. She has already weighed in and is prepared to face Poland's Nicole Lisowska in the Round of 64. Pannpa acknowledged the challenges of competing in this weight class but remains determined to perform her best.