Sakis Pragalos: “Europe must continue to be the driving force that lead to a global Taekwondo development”

Wuxi, China – Shortly after being elected Vice President of World Taekwondo, the President of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU), Sakis Pragalos, spoke exclusively with MASTKD about Europe’s competitive leadership, modern governance, and the global challenges on the road to Los Angeles 2028.

Europe once again set the pace of world Taekwondo at Paris 2024. What key factors explain this leadership, and how do you plan to sustain it heading into Los Angeles 2028?

Europe’s success in Paris 2024 is the result of long-term investment in structure, education, and collaboration. Over the past years, ETU has worked hand-in-hand with National Federations to professionalize coaching, athlete preparation, and event management. Our Continental Union was among the first to integrate data-driven performance analysis, unified referee education, and gender-balanced participation policies.

Heading to Los Angeles 2028, our focus remains sustainability — ensuring that the next generation of athletes, coaches, and referees benefits from the same high-quality systems. We are expanding cooperation with Olympic Training Centers and will strengthen scientific exchange between leading European programs to maintain Europe’s leadership in both Olympic and Para Taekwondo.

You were unanimously re-elected in Nuremberg. What does that vote of confidence mean to you, and what will be the main goals of this new term?

Being re-elected unanimously in Nuremberg is a great honor and an even greater responsibility. It means that the European family recognizes our collective progress — from financial stability and transparent governance to athlete welfare and inclusion.

The priorities for this new term are clear:

1. Further digitalization and modernization of ETU operations.

2. Strengthening collaboration between National Federations and the Continental Union.

3. Promoting integrity, equality, and fair play at all levels of our sport.

Our vision is to make ETU not only the most successful but also the most trusted Continental Union in the Olympic movement.

ETU oversaw Portugal’s normalization before WT. What lessons did you take from that case, and how will you apply them moving forward?

The Portuguese normalization process showed that governance reform must be proactive, not reactive. It is not only about complying with statutes but about rebuilding trust within a federation’s ecosystem — athletes, coaches, clubs, and national authorities.

We learned that clear communication, expert legal guidance, and continuous mentorship are the most effective tools. ETU now applies a structured “Governance Readiness Checklist” before recommending reinstatements to WT, which includes financial transparency, democratic elections, safeguarding mechanisms, and alignment with WT and IOC ethics standards. Our goal is to help federations emerge stronger and more sustainable than before.

Para Taekwondo in Europe has shown remarkable growth. How is ETU sustaining this progress?

Para Taekwondo is one of Europe’s proudest success stories. ETU has invested heavily in inclusive events, education, and partnerships. We integrated Para categories into mainstream events and supported federations in building national pathways for athletes with disabilities.

Moving forward, ETU will increase funding for classification workshops and international training camps. We also aim to create stronger links between Para and Olympic programs to ensure equal access to facilities, expertise, and performance support. Our ambition is clear — to keep Europe as the global benchmark for Para Taekwondo development.

Rule amendments being tested for Los Angeles 2028 have generated worldwide interest. What role does Europe play in this evaluation?

European federations and referees are deeply involved in the testing phase of the proposed rules. Through cooperation between ETU and WT, several major European events — including the European Championships and top G-rank tournaments — act as live testbeds for rule innovations.

We collect data, feedback, and video analysis in close coordination with the WT Technical Committee. Europe’s contribution lies in professionalism: structured pilot testing, objective reporting, and open dialogue. Our goal is to ensure that the final rules for Los Angeles 2028 enhance fairness, excitement, and athlete safety in equal measure.

Transparency and ethics are pillars of modern sport. What initiatives is ETU implementing to ensure a safe and fair environment?

ETU has placed ethics and transparency at the core of our strategic plan. Education is a critical pillar. Together with WT, we provide regular seminars on ethics, anti-harassment, and match-fixing prevention. We believe that integrity starts with awareness, and every stakeholder must understand their rights and responsibilities. This is how we build trust in our sport.

Your influence in Europe extends to the global stage. How do you envision Europe’s contribution to Taekwondo’s worldwide development within World Taekwondo?

Europe has always been a laboratory of innovation for World Taekwondo. Many training systems, competition formats, and digital solutions that originated in Europe have later been adopted globally. The upcoming U-21 World Championships in Kenya is the latest example.

As Vice President, I see Europe’s role as a driving force for knowledge sharing — helping all continents access expertise, coaching education, and development resources. We must work together as one global Taekwondo family, ensuring that excellence is shared, not isolated. Our mission is to help every region grow so that Taekwondo continues to flourish as a truly universal Olympic sport.

Recently, you were elected Vice President of World Taekwondo. What vision do you bring to this global responsibility?

My motivation is rooted in service. For decades, I have witnessed how Taekwondo changes lives — from youth programs to Olympic medals. I want to bring that same passion for unity, transparency, and athlete-centered governance to the global level.

As Vice President, my vision is to strengthen cooperation between continents, modernize governance tools, and ensure that the voice of athletes and coaches is always at the center of decision-making. Together with President Choue and the Council, we will continue building a stronger, fairer, and more connected Taekwondo world.

Finally, do you have a message for the global Taekwondo community?

Yes. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude and sincere appreciation to all federations that voted for my election as WT Vice President this week. I was truly humbled and honored.

Our sport’s true power lies not only in medals, but in its values — respect, perseverance, and unity. Paris 2024 reminded us that Taekwondo can inspire the world when we stand together. I invite every federation, coach, athlete, and volunteer to keep working with that same spirit as we look toward Los Angeles 2028.
Together, we will continue to make Taekwondo a symbol of excellence, integrity, and peace.

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Claudio Aranda

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