Oceania Taekwondo Union appointed committees for 2026-2027 and unveiled new visual identity

The Oceania Taekwondo Union (OTU) announced the appointment of its committees for the 2026-2027 period (two years), with teams made up of leaders and professionals from different countries on the continent and associated territories, with the aim of sustaining the growth, integrity, and development of Taekwondo in the region.

The announcement was part of an internal strategy to strengthen critical areas such as governance, athlete development, event organization, refereeing, sports health, education, and community outreach. In this vein, OTU—chaired by Maher Magableh—congratulated those appointed and thanked them for accepting a responsibility considered key for the 2026-2027 cycle.

A plan to maintain continuity in a demanding region

In Oceania, logistics and distance have an impact on competition and training. For this reason, the activation of committees with appointed leaders sought to ensure continuity of work, raise technical standards, and consolidate a common direction for the entire continental body.

OTU Committees 2026-2027

Technical Committee

Director: Ali Khalil (AUS)
Members: Theresa McCoombes (AUS); Paul Sitapa (TGA); Diego Fernando Chiriff (AUS); Joseph Tamer (AUS)

Games Committee

Director: Theresa McCoombes (AUS)
Members: Hayley Storey (NZL); Annie Marie He Lotu Malolo (TGA); Teragi TERIIPAIA (FBO); Elias Moufarrej (AUS)

Referees Committee

Director: Diego Fernando Chiriff (AUS)
Members: Vaiarii Taiarui (FPO); Alexandar Allen (GUM); Aaron Dean (NZL)

Coaches Committee

Director: Paul Sitapa (TGA)
Members: Ryan Carneli (AUS); Kaino Thomson (SAM); Andy Rutten (PNG/AUS); Venice Traill (FIJ)

Education and Development Committee

Director: Gary Carpenter (NZL)
Members: Neelu Nand (FIJ); Nikky White (AUS)

Medical Committee

Director: Jeseph Tamer (AUS)
Members: Andrew Soma (SOL); Varoon Karan (FIJ); Tony (Sheng-Kai) Su (AUS)

Para Taekwondo Committee

Director: Jerry Moraitis (AUS)
Members: Sanghyun Ra (FIJ); Junior Maetia (SOL); Pita Taufatofua (TGA); Geoff Turpin (NZL)

Poomsae Committee

Director: COLEUX Thierry (NCL)
Members: Sophia Haynes (NZL); SeongWeon Yun (AUS); Jonathan Lando Paschalis (PNG); Sylvester Harigagana’s (SOL)

OTU also renewed its image and unveiled a new official logo

Before closing the announcement, the OTU also unveiled its new institutional logo, a visual update that sought to reflect “unity, strength, and progress” throughout Oceania.

The union explained that the circular shape symbolizes the connection between nations and islands, while the dynamic kicking figure represents the speed, precision, and power of Taekwondo. It also indicated that subtle regional patterns were incorporated as a respectful tribute to the cultural heritage of Oceania. The OTU emphasized that, although the image has evolved, its values and commitment to the sport and its members remain intact, and expressed its expectation to see this new brand present at championships and future events.

What this announcement signifies

Beyond the names, OTU left a management message: assign roles, clarify responsibilities, and maintain an active structure for two years to push the development of Taekwondo in Oceania with greater technical and institutional consistency.

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

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Alex Siliezar

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