Barbarino outlined a vision based on continuity, international cooperation, and long-term development. He also expressed his support for a possible continuation of Dr. Chungwon Choue’s presidency beyond 2029, should the organization’s statutes permit it.

His remarks build on previous conversations with MASTKD, including an exclusive interview earlier this year, in which he discussed Europe’s ambitions to deliver one of its most significant continental championships in Munich.

Europe’s Sporting and Organizational Strength

Europe has demonstrated remarkable consistency, not only in sporting results but also in organizing major international events, including the Rome Grand Prix and now Paris. How would you assess the current state of European Taekwondo?

Europe is going through a very positive period. We are seeing important sporting results and, at the same time, strong organizational capabilities. We have demonstrated that we can host events at the highest level and maintain a very solid competition calendar.

This is not the result of isolated efforts. It comes from consistent planning, the commitment of our national federations, and a structure that continues to develop.

Our goal is to maintain this consistency and continue creating the best possible conditions for our athletes and federations to grow.

Istanbul 2027: A Major European Challenge

The Istanbul 2027 European Games represent one of the continent’s major upcoming challenges, with Poomsae joining the Taekwondo programme and new formats continuing to attract international interest. How are preparations progressing?

We are working intensively on preparations for Istanbul 2027. It will be one of the most important events on our calendar and represents a great opportunity to continue showcasing the development of European Taekwondo.

The inclusion of new disciplines, such as Poomsae and Virtual Taekwondo, is an important step forward because it allows us to expand the presence of our sport and showcase other dimensions of Taekwondo.

We are already working on the different aspects of planning and coordination to ensure that Europe arrives at these Games with a solid organization and the highest possible competitive level.

The Turkish Taekwondo Federation as a Key Partner

Following the interview, Barbarino specifically asked MASTKD to highlight the importance of the Turkish Taekwondo Federation in the preparations for Istanbul 2027.

The ETU Secretary General emphasized that the Turkish federation will be a highly experienced partner, bringing valuable organizational expertise to the preparations for one of Europe’s most important multisport events.

This cooperation will form an important part of ETU’s efforts to deliver a successful Taekwondo competition in Istanbul.

Building Toward Los Angeles 2028

Beyond Istanbul, 2027 will be a decisive year in the final stretch toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. How is ETU preparing for this stage of the Olympic cycle?

Our planning for 2027 is already underway. We know it will be a crucial year within the Olympic cycle, and we are fine-tuning all the necessary aspects to continue strengthening our structure.

Europe has great athletes, coaches, federations, and event organizers. What matters is ensuring that all these elements work together in a coordinated way, with a long-term vision.

Los Angeles 2028 is a very important objective, but our responsibility is also to continue building an increasingly stronger continent, with development opportunities and a competitive level that can be sustained over time.

European Development and Global Responsibility

You have also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among the continental unions and World Taekwondo. What role should Europe play in the global development of our sport?

I believe unity is essential for the future of Taekwondo. The continental unions must work together and maintain close coordination with World Taekwondo.

Europe has reached an important level of development, but that growth should also contribute to the development of other continents.

There are European countries interested in promoting initiatives that create opportunities for federations and athletes from other regions, share experiences, and help raise their competitive level.

It is not just about Europe continuing to grow. We must work to ensure that Taekwondo grows worldwide. The stronger all continents become, the stronger our sport will be.

“It is not just about Europe continuing to grow. We must work to ensure that Taekwondo grows worldwide.”

The Future of World Taekwondo Leadership

Looking ahead to the institutional future of World Taekwondo, what is your position on a possible continuation of Dr. Chungwon Choue as president beyond 2029, should the statutes allow it?

From a political standpoint, if there were a possibility for Dr. Choue to continue, we would be the first to support that option.

Dr. Choue has contributed enormously to the growth of Taekwondo. Under his leadership, our sport has made significant progress, particularly in the introduction of technology, innovation, and international development.

If the statutes allowed it, I believe he should continue in 2029.

“From a political standpoint, if there were a possibility for Dr. Choue to continue, we would be the first to support that option.”

Continuity, Cooperation, and the Road Ahead

Barbarino’s remarks reflect a European leadership strategy built around sporting performance, organizational stability, and cooperation beyond continental borders.

With the Istanbul 2027 European Games approaching and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, ETU faces a period of important sporting and institutional decisions.

His explicit support for the possibility of Dr. Choue remaining in office also adds a political dimension to the conversation, demonstrating that discussions about Taekwondo’s future extend beyond competition results and event organization.

For Barbarino, Europe’s continued progress should ultimately serve a broader objective: strengthening Taekwondo as a global sport.

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