Sakis Pragalos: “There is no contradiction between leadership and consultation. Authority must always go along with transparency”

MASTKD had an exclusive interview with the president of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU), Sakis Pragalos, at a key moment for the governance of continental taekwondo. His recent decision to push for a statutory reform to redefine the scope of honorary recognitions opened up a new institutional scenario: it is no longer just about the specific case, but about how Europe decides to valorize merit, trajectory, and legitimacy within the sport.

This interview accurately reflects President Pragalos’ vision of leadership, institutional globalization, recognition, merit, and the future.

MASTKD: President Pragalos, your initial statement emphasized the autonomy of the ETU President to grant honorary titles. However, a few days later, a consultation process with the Council and Assembly was opened. Could you tell us how you see the balance between presidential authority and institutional validation in these kinds of decisions?

PRAGALOS: The balance between presidential authority and institutional validation is essential in any democratic federation.

My initial statement reflected the long-standing autonomy of the ETU President to recognize individuals who have devoted themselves to our sport. At the same time, I hold great respect for our statutes and for the collective voice of our Council and Assembly. When concerns were raised, it was my duty to open the process, listen, and ensure that our actions remain aligned with our rules.

For me, there is no contradiction between leadership and consultation. Authority must always walk hand in hand with transparency, respect for procedure, and the democratic foundations of ETU. If at any moment we discover that our process can be improved, then we must adjust and ensure that everything we do is correct, legitimate, and worthy of the values we represent.

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

The proposed amendment to Article 6.17 proposes incorporating honorary lifetime categories and recognizing global contributions beyond the European sphere. Do you believe that ETU is moving toward a more internationalist model in institutional terms and a less regional one in its recognition structure?

The amendment to Article 6.17 indeed widens the scope of honorary recognitions, and I believe this reflects a natural evolution. Taekwondo is not a regional activity for us — we are part of a global family.

Europe has always been a leading force in our sport, but our appreciation and respect do not stop at our borders. Recognizing lifetime contributions from individuals who have served Taekwondo worldwide is fully aligned with our values of friendship, unity, and respect.

This is not a shift away from Europe; it is Europe embracing its international responsibility with maturity. Our recognition structure becomes richer and more meaningful when it acknowledges contributions wherever they occur.

Currently, the statutes establish that honorary titles require confirmation by the Assembly. With the proposed reform, does the ETU contemplate strengthening transparency and traceability mechanisms to protect both the value of the recognition and its legal legitimacy?

Yes. Strengthening transparency and traceability is essential when dealing with honorary titles, because these recognitions should never be questioned — they should be celebrated.

With the proposed reform, we aim to ensure that the process is fully documented, procedurally correct, and institutionally validated. Honorary titles are not political decisions; they are acknowledgements of service, sacrifice, and dedication.

By refining our procedures, we protect both the value of the recognition and the integrity of our institution. It is my firm belief that rules exist to guide us, and if at any time we realize that our process is incomplete, we must improve it — openly, honestly, and respectfully.

This process has opened a new discussion on the concept of merit in institutional Taekwondo. From your perspective, what should be the objective criteria for distinguishing between political leadership, institutional service, and historical contribution to the sport?

Merit in Taekwondo takes many forms, and it is important to distinguish them clearly to preserve fairness and respect.

• Political leadership relates to elected responsibility — being chosen by one’s peers to carry out executive duties for a defined mandate.
• Institutional service reflects continuous work, often behind the scenes, to strengthen structures, events, governance, or development.
• Historical contribution is about individuals whose lifelong dedication shaped Taekwondo itself, often far beyond any single role or position.

For me, recognizing people is not about influence, rank, or power. It is about honoring those whose life’s work has strengthened our sport and our values. These distinctions help ensure that recognition remains pure and unpolitical — a reflection of service, not status.

Do you think the reform under discussion could set a precedent for other continental bodies and even for World Taekwondo in terms of how to recognize careers without the need to have held executive positions?

Yes, I believe this reform could set an important precedent. Around the world, many individuals have contributed immensely to Taekwondo without ever holding an executive office. Their roles may have been technical, developmental, cultural, or educational — yet their impact has been profound.

By creating a structure that honors careers based on merit rather than position, Europe sends a powerful message: service to Taekwondo is valuable in all its forms.

If other continental unions or even World Taekwondo adopt similar approaches, it will strengthen global unity and reinforce the idea that Taekwondo is built by many hands — not only those in elected seats.

Ultimately, recognition should be about gratitude, not hierarchy. And I am committed to ensuring that ETU leads with fairness, inclusivity, and genuine appreciation for all who serve our sport.

Europe Strengthens Institutional Unity After Appointing John Kotsifas as ETU Honorary President

With his words, Sakis Pragalos not only defined the scope of a reform. He also sent a message about the type of institutional framework that Europe is willing to build — based on rules, legitimacy, comprehensiveness, gratitude, and a global vision.

MAS: Media About Sport.
TKD: Taekwondo.
MASTKD: Worldwide Leader on Taekwondo Information.

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Claudio Aranda

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