The recent World Taekwondo Extraordinary Council Meeting in Fujairah, UAE, marked a significant shift in the sport’s global governance, highlighting the rising influence of African leaders as the continent prepares for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Held on January 31, 2026, the assembly confirmed key appointments and policy changes that align with the International Olympic Committee’s latest guidelines.
Several African sports veterans have been elevated to top positions within World Taekwondo, reflecting a commitment to continental diversity and gender parity. Dagmawit Girmay Berhane of Ethiopia, an IOC member since 2013 with an extensive background in badminton and Olympic solidarity, was appointed to the World Taekwondo Council. Her expertise is expected to bridge the gap between continental development and global standards. Additionally, Zimbabwean Tomas Sithole was appointed as Vice President through 2027, bringing decades of administrative experience within the IOC and the Global Esports Federation. Senegal’s own Balla Dieye has joined the Development Commission, where he will focus on promoting the sport and training coaches particularly in West Africa, ensuring a local legacy for the upcoming Games.
The meeting also validated critical operational decisions for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026. In a notable policy shift following recent IOC trends, the Council authorized the participation of junior and senior athletes from Russia and Belarus under their national flags. However, the organization maintained the ban on hosting international taekwondo competitions in Russia and will not grant accreditation to government officials from either nation.
Looking toward the competition itself, Dakar 2026 will feature 11 medal events in taekwondo, representing one of the highest event counts for any sport at the Games. The matches will be held at the Dakar Expo Centre in Diamniadio, one of the three primary host zones alongside Dakar and Saly. With over 213 affiliated countries now practicing the sport, these Games are poised to serve as a massive international showcase and a springboard for emerging talent across the African continent.
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