OTU celebrated 20 years with high-level gala in Sydney

Oceania Taekwondo Union brought together leaders, grandmasters, referees, champions and historic figures of Taekwondo for an institutional celebration that projected strength, legacy and a deep sense of community.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney became the setting for a special night in Oceania Taekwondo. The Oceania Taekwondo Union celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony that gathered officials, continental representatives, grandmasters, referees and champions in an atmosphere shaped by recognition, celebration and strong institutional meaning.

The evening blended distinction, symbolism and international projection. From the opening reception, guests shared a sense of reunion framed by the iconic Sydney harbour backdrop. The ceremony opened with a traditional smoke ceremony and an Aboriginal artistic performance by Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo Performers, giving the night both identity and solemnity from the very beginning.

Maher Magableh brought Oceania together under one roof

One of the strongest messages of the gala was regional unity. OTU President Maher Magableh highlighted the significance of bringing together representatives from all Oceania countries in one celebration, creating an image of political and institutional cohesion. The presence of major international guests also stood out, including Europe Taekwondo Vice Presidents Sahin Metin and Slavi Binev.

Magableh focused on the journey of the past two decades and on the need to keep strengthening Taekwondo development across the region, recognizing those who contributed to the Union’s growth from its foundations to the present day.

Dr. Chungwon Choue reinforced the gala’s global weight

The presence of World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue elevated the event even further. His attendance confirmed the relevance OTU has earned within the global Taekwondo landscape and reinforced the connection between Oceania and the sport’s international leadership.

His remarks delivered one of the evening’s most meaningful moments, centered on Taekwondo’s growth without losing the close-knit and family-oriented spirit that defines the sport. It was a presence of clear political and symbolic value in a gala that went far beyond the format of a simple social event.

Tribute to founders, grandmasters and Olympic figures

The heart of the evening was the awards presentation. OTU paid tribute to figures who were essential in building its history, beginning with its founders. The legacy of the late Phil Coles was remembered with particular emotion, and the award in his honor was received by his wife, Patricia Rosenbrock-Coles. Russel Macarthur and Ivan Haschynski were also recognized, both directly linked to the birth and consolidation of the Union.

The ceremony also honored grandmasters who left a profound mark on the development of Taekwondo in Oceania, including Hassan Iskander OAM, Michael Tan, Hugh Eagling, Greg Wyllie, Martin Hall and Young You OH. Dr. Jean Kfoury OAM was also recognized for his commitment and long-standing contribution to OTU.

On the competitive side, the gala honored Olympic referees Sam Loiacono and Thierry Coleux, World Champion Carmen Marton, Olympic medalists Lauren Burns, Daniel Trinton and Anne-Caroline Graffe, as well as Paralympian Janine Watson. It was a group of names that reflected the historical, technical and sporting depth Oceania has built within international Taekwondo.

Standing ovation for World Taekwondo President

The awards segment closed with one of the strongest moments of the night, when Dr. Chungwon Choue received a special recognition for his dedication and commitment to Taekwondo in Oceania and worldwide. The standing ovation that followed captured the tone of an evening defined by institutional respect and appreciation for those who helped shape the sport’s direction.

With live entertainment, artistic performances and even fireworks over the harbour as an unexpected backdrop, the gala delivered a clear image: OTU celebrated its history with pride, reaffirmed its sense of community, and showed that it intends to face its next chapter with identity, cohesion and international ambition.