Tomas Ganda Sithole: “Being reintegrated into the Taekwondo Family means everything” after World Taekwondo Vice President appointment

MASTKD ESPAÑOL

Zimbabwean leader Tomas Ganda Sithole marked his return to the sport’s highest institutional level after being appointed Vice President of World Taekwondo, describing the moment as both a personal and sporting vindication.

“It means everything. Being reintegrated into the Taekwondo Family is everything what would have dreamed of,” he told MASTKD in an exclusive interview.

Sithole framed his comeback as a “second chance,” in what he described as a different environment from the past—especially due to the growing role of the African Taekwondo Union and, in his view, a more participatory leadership dynamic within World Taekwondo today.

Return without “airs”: contribution, development, Africa focus

Asked about his objectives for the next term, Sithole avoided grand promises and chose a collective, workmanlike tone. He said he arrives “without any airs” and intends to add value to what is already underway—joining development programs, supporting African leaders, and coordinating initiatives with fellow executives.

“I can only contribute,” he said, adding that he has already started speaking with other leaders to explore what can be advanced across Africa: “It’s already there, but it’s my contribution that I’m looking forward to.”

The message was clear: he did not present himself as a savior or someone arriving to “teach,” but as part of a team focused on strengthening ongoing processes and consolidating growth.

“Completely different”: how he sees World Taekwondo has evolved

When comparing his previous period within the international structure to the present, Sithole summed up the change in one emphatic phrase: “Completely different.” For him, the key difference lies in governance and leadership style.

In that context, he praised Chungwon Choue, saying the President now operates as a “first among equals,” open to listening to the Council and encouraging participation.

“He likes to listen to his council. He likes everyone to participate in the leadership,” Sithole said.

His assessment drew a direct contrast with more vertical models of the past—what he described as “much more presidential leadership”—to highlight a structure where leadership is exercised through greater internal exchange.

Message to global Taekwondo: belonging and humility

In closing, Sithole left a message built around two ideas: belonging and humility. Rather than “pretending to know everything,” he said his priority is to fully rejoin the Taekwondo Family and contribute to its global development.

“I’m not a know-it-all. I’m just being reintegrated and I’m very happy to play a role in the development of Taekwondo around the world,” he said.

With that tone, the newly appointed Vice President projected a term shaped by institutional work and support for growth programs—particularly with focus on Africa—and a clear political point of view: international Taekwondo, he said, has changed—and his return comes in a new scenario.

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

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Alex Siliezar

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