Russia Returns to the Major Event Stage: Terekhov Regains Prominence in World Taekwondo
The Russian Taekwondo Union informed that World Taekwondo has lifted its restriction on hosting international events in Russia and appointed its president, Anatoly Terekhov, senior advisor to the WT Council. Russia’s record includes World Championships in Kyorugi, Poomsae and Para Taekwondo, European Championships, Grand Prix events and an Olympic qualification tournament.
Russia can once again bid to host major international Taekwondo competitions. According to the Russian Taekwondo Union, the World Taekwondo (WT) Council lifted the restriction on holding events in the country at its September 15 meeting. It also appointed Russian Taekwondo Union President Anatoly Konstantinovich Terekhov as a senior advisor to the Council.
No new event has been awarded to Russia. The decision does, however, allow a country with a substantial hosting record to seek a place on the international calendar again.
A host across three World Championship disciplines
Russia has staged World Championships in Poomsae in Vladivostok in 2011, Para Taekwondo in Moscow in 2014, and Kyorugi in Chelyabinsk in 2015. MASTKD sent a team to cover the Para Taekwondo World Championships in Moscow and covered the Kyorugi World Championships in Chelyabinsk. The 2014 event introduced Poomsae competition for athletes with intellectual impairments.
Russia’s experience extends beyond World Championships. Kazan hosted the European qualification tournament for the London 2012 Olympic Games and the 2018 European Senior Championships. Nalchik staged the first European Championships in Olympic weight categories in 2015.
Moscow hosted World Taekwondo Grand Prix events in 2015, 2017 and 2018, followed by the 2019 Grand Prix Final and WT Gala Awards. MASTKD covered that final from Moscow. Taken together, the World Championships, European events, Grand Prix tournaments and Olympic qualifier show the range of competitions Russia has already hosted.
Terekhov’s long tenure
Terekhov has led the Russian Taekwondo Union since December 1, 2009. He was therefore in office throughout this period of major events and during the restrictions introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Before becoming MNA president, he had led the Moscow Taekwondo Federation since 2006.
MASTKD has interviewed Terekhov many times at international events. In an interview published during the 2019 WT Gala, he spoke about the combined work of coaches, athletes, referees and officials. He described his role as giving them the tools to do their jobs as best as possible.
His newly announced position is senior advisor to the Council, rather than an elected Council seat. The Russian Taekwondo Union reported both his appointment and the hosting decision. WT has yet to publish its own account detailing the scope of those decisions.
From competing under the flag to hosting again
The changes have come in stages. In January 2026, WT allowed Russian and Belarusian junior and senior athletes to compete under their national flags at WT-promoted and recognized championships. Its letter to Terekhov made clear that Russia was still barred from hosting international events at that point. MASTKD reported the decision from Fujairah.
The September decision, as reported by the Russian Taekwondo Union, addresses that remaining hosting restriction. Russia must still submit bids, and WT must still award the events. But Terekhov and his federation can now draw on a record that spans three World Championship disciplines, European competitions, Grand Prix events and the road to an Olympic Games. Their next task is to turn that opportunity into a new international event.
About The Author
Descubre más desde MASTKD
Suscríbete y recibe las últimas entradas en tu correo electrónico.
