Day 4 in Muju: Pacheco and García Martínez Crowned Champions as Grand Prix Challenge Concludes

Muju, Korea (August 31, 2025) – The World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge Muju 2025 came to a thrilling conclusion with Maria Clara Pacheco (BRA) taking gold in the Women’s -57 kg and Iván García Martínez (ESP) triumphing in the Men’s +80 kg division.

Before the semifinals, the arena observed a solemn moment of silence in memory of Park Gye Hee, former Taekwondo director of Chuncheon City Hall, who passed away in June.

Pacheco repeats gold in Women’s -57 kg

Brazil’s Maria Clara Pacheco confirmed her status as one of the rising stars of the sport, claiming her second consecutive Grand Prix Challenge title after winning in Charlotte this past June.

In the final, she delivered an impressive performance to defeat reigning Olympic champion Yu-Jin Kim (KOR), winning the two rounds 10-0 and 5-4.

The bronze medal went to the USA’s Faith Dillon, who matched her result from Charlotte after overcoming Tunisia’s Chaima Toumi.

Women’s -57 kg Podium
🥇 Maria Clara Pacheco (BRA)
🥈 Yu-Jin Kim (KOR)
🥉 Faith Dillon (USA)

García Martínez steps up in Men’s +80 kg

Spain’s Iván García Martínez upgraded his bronze medal from Charlotte to a memorable gold in Muju, sealing victory in the +80 kg division.

In the final, he outlasted Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) Rafail Aiukaev in three rounds, taking the decider 6-3.

The bronze was won by Vladislav Larin (AIN), who overcame Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Caden Cunningham (GBR).

Men’s +80 kg Podium
🥇 Iván García Martínez (ESP)
🥈 Rafail Aiukaev (AIN)
🥉 Vladislav Larin (AIN)

Final reflections on Muju 2025

Over four days of competition, the Taekwondowon in Muju hosted more than 330 athletes from 30 nations, alongside the AIN team and the Taekwondo Refugee Team, reaffirming its reputation as the spiritual home of the sport.

Beyond the medals, all podium finishers secured their qualification for the 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series 2 in Paris, a crucial milestone on the road to the next Olympic Games.

As the curtain closes, Muju leaves behind a legacy of passion, fair play, and world-class taekwondo, once again standing at the center of the global stage.

📌 Official information – World Taekwondo GP Challenge Muju 2025