This gathering brings together 56 athletes and 17 coaches from 15 countries across the continent, who are now immersed in an intensive week of technical, tactical, and educational training, aimed at the comprehensive development of their delegations in preparation for the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games.

The participating countries include: Peru, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, among other qualified nations.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished officials such as Camilo Pérez López Moreira, President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee; Rocío Rivarola, Sports Director of the POC; and Emilio Posadas, Education Coordinator of Panam Sports. Also present were Arístides Gómez, Treasurer of the Paraguayan Taekwondo Confederation, along with the international technical team led by Damian Villa (Kyorugi, Mexico), Araceli Ornelas (Refereeing, Mexico), and Raymond Hsu (Poomsae, United States).

This camp represents a valuable platform for preparation, exchange, and growth for the new generation of continental taekwondo talents on the road to ASU2025.

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Powerful Starts with the Canadian and U.S. Opens

The year kicks off with a bang with the Canadian and U.S. Opens, traditional events that not only serve as competitive platforms, but also as opportunities for athletes to strengthen their preparation and earn important ranking points.

Seminars and Workshops: Boosting Education

True to its commitment to the integral development of the Taekwondo community, PATU will continue to organize educational seminars and workshops in all areas. From technical and refereeing training to workshops focused on event management and doping prevention, the union reinforces its mission to raise the professional level of all those involved in this martial art and Olympic sport.

Historic Events: Pan American Junior Games in Asuncion

One of the most anticipated moments of the year will undoubtedly be the Pan American Junior Games, scheduled for August in Asuncion, Paraguay. This event will mark a milestone with the inclusion of Poomsae, a discipline that continues to gain recognition worldwide. In addition, the incentive of awarding a direct pass to the first place for the Lima 2027 Senior Pan American Games adds an extra level of motivation and competition. Qualification for this great junior event will be held in Querétaro, Mexico, in April 2025, ensuring that only the best athletes reach this historic stage.

Central American Games in Guatemala

In October, Guatemala will host the Central American Games, an opportunity for the region’s athletes to showcase their talent at home and continue to consolidate the competitive level in the area. This event will also be key in preparing for future international challenges.

International Competitions and the World Championship in Wuxi

The traditional Rio de Janeiro Open in South America will continue to be a benchmark to measure the competitive level of the region. This event, along with other Opens, will prepare athletes for one of the most prestigious events of the year: the World Combat Championships, to be held in Wuxi, China, in October. PATU is committed to providing the best platforms for its athletes to arrive in top form for this global competition.

Reallocation of the President’s Cup and Creation of the Nations Cup

PATU has also announced the reassignment of date and venue for the President’s Cup, a G-3 category event that will be key for international ranking. In addition, a new event is being developed called the Nations Cup, which will be a competition for national teams in all disciplines: Kyorugi, Poomsae, Team Kyorugi, Para-Taekwondo and Virtual Taekwondo. This cup will be organized for cadets, juniors and adults, and is planned to be held in 2026. This project reflects PATU’s commitment to innovation and inclusion in sport.

Message from President Juan Manuel Lopez

“2025 will be a year of great challenges and opportunities for our region. We are working hard to ensure that every event is an unforgettable experience and a boost for our athletes and coaches. The inclusion of Poomsae in the Pan American Junior Games in Asuncion is just one example of how we are transforming Taekwondo in the Americas. Trust that we will continue to fight for the development and excellence of this sport that we love so much,” stated the president.

A Bright Future for Taekwondo

With a calendar full of historic events, development opportunities and high-level competitions, 2025 will be an unforgettable year for Pan American Taekwondo. PATU invites the entire community to join in this exciting journey and continue building together a bright future for the sport.

El cargo A Promising 2025 for the Pan American Taekwondo Union apareció primero en PATU | Pan American Taekwondo Union.

The event, which brought together seven mixed teams from different countries, witnessed intense and highly technical fights. The Brazilian team showed impeccable synchronization and a masterful strategy to overcome teams such as Korea, Australia and, in the grand final, the local Chinese team. This triumph not only reaffirms the potential of Brazilian Taekwondo, but also highlights the growth and development of the Pan American level.

“Brazil’s two-time world championship is a testament to the effort, dedication and teamwork. This result reflects the steady rise of the Pan American level in Taekwondo and the quality of our athletes,” highlighted the president of the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), Juan Manuel Lopez Delgado. “It is a source of pride to see our countries achieve such important accomplishments on international stages.”

The Brazilian team’s performance also highlights the importance of constant support and training of athletes in a competitive environment that propels Pan American teams to reach the world elite. This achievement not only enriches Brazil’s sporting history, but also motivates the entire region to continue raising its standards in Taekwondo.

With this two-time championship, Brazil consolidates its position as one of the powers on the world Taekwondo scene and reaffirms the talent of its athletes, who continue to inspire future generations.

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Recognizing the Best of Pan American Taekwondo

The evening will be a key moment to pay tribute to the athletes, coaches and leaders who have excelled throughout the year. In an elegant and festive atmosphere, awards will be given for feats achieved in international competitions, as well as for contributions to the growth and development of taekwondo in the Pan American region. In addition, the induction of new members into the Pan American Taekwondo Union Hall of Fame will be one of the most exciting moments of the evening, highlighting personalities who have left a significant mark in the history of the sport.

A Cultural Fiesta to Celebrate Excellence

Following the success of last year’s theme, this year’s 2024 gala promises to offer a unique cultural experience that will fuse sporting celebration with Mexican traditions. Guests will be able to enjoy traditional dishes, festive music and folkloric dances that will once again highlight Mexico’s rich heritage, making the evening not only an occasion of homage, but also of cultural immersion.

Juan Manuel Lopez Delgado: Leadership and Commitment to Taekwondo

Pan American Taekwondo Union President Juan Manuel Lopez Delgado, who will headline the event, has already expressed his enthusiasm for what will be another historic night for Pan American Taekwondo. “This gala is a reflection of the dedication and passion we all share for this sport. It fills me with pride to see how year after year we continue to celebrate those who make taekwondo an example of excellence throughout our region,” said Lopez Delgado, also highlighting the commitment to continue promoting the growth of the sport in the continent.

A Commitment to the Future

Beyond being a celebration of the successes of the year 2024, the Pan American Taekwondo Union Gala Dinner will also be a moment to reaffirm the commitment to the continued development of the sport, both in the promotion of new generations of athletes and in the consolidation of a community united in its passion for taekwondo.

Querétaro is preparing to receive the most outstanding figures in the sport, in what promises to be a night full of emotion, recognition and a renewed commitment to excellence.

El cargo The Panamerican Taekwondo Union prepares for a new Gala Dinner in Queretaro apareció primero en PATU | Pan American Taekwondo Union.

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Seeking to provide the same opportunities for the whole family, the Panamerican Taekwondo Union headed by its president Juan Manuel Lopez, will hold an intensive practice where coaches will be able to share with WT referees and educators, with the intention of unifying teaching criteria and Poomsae scoring.

"We are delighted to have achieved this important opportunity in the development of Poomsae. On this occasion, not only referees will be trained, but coaches of national, state or regional teams will have the opportunity to join this two-day talk given by WT, so they can take to their countries the same guidelines that referees have when it comes to scoring, and thus equalize the level of athletes and competitions for the benefit of all MNAs", said Juan Manuel Lopez, president of PATU.

Registration is now open through the platform: wt.uptkd.com and will cost 120.

The workshop will be held at the Hotel Holiday Inn Centro Histórico de Querétaro and at the end a certificate of certification and participation will be awarded.

Places are limited so it is necessary to register as soon as possible.
PATU continúa la búsqueda de la excelencia en todos los niveles de desarrollo del Taekwondo.

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De Veer has been a member of the World Taekwondo Council between 2017-2021, was treasurer (1999-2004) and president (2013-2015) of the Aruba Taekwondo Federation. In her career she excelled as an international I Class referee in Kyorugi (2002-2017) and Poomsae (2007-2021).

Dr. Mansilla, a lawyer by profession, presided over the Bolivian Taekwondo Federation from 1996 until the last election this 2022. During that period, he held the general secretariat of the Bolivian Olympic Committee on two occasions (1998 and 2005). From 2002 to 2006 he was vice-president of PATU and today he is Member of the PATU Executive Council, president of the Legal Committee and now he will occupy a place among the vice-presidents.

Roberto Beltrán, for his part, has been a protagonist and witness of the historical development of Mexican taekwondo in various facets, where his 30-year career as an international referee (I Class) and later as a leader, after presiding over the Mexican Taekwondo Federation from 2001-2009, a period during which he gave the country two gold medals, one silver and one bronze in the Olympic Games, stand out.

The expansion to 33 members of the PATU Board of Directors allows the Continental Union of America to be at the height of the other Continental Unions, which in turn will make it possible to implement more and better assistance plans for athletes, coaches, referees, training, camps at all levels, among other projects led by great managers of taekwondo in America, who can contribute knowledge and entrepreneurship as new volunteer leaders to further strengthen the region.

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In the electric ambience of Guadalajara’s Centro Acuatico CODE Metropolitano, a stoked crowd chanted “Mexico, Mexico” interspersed with “Leslie, Leslie,” while a Mariachi band on the second floor of the stands added to the cacophony.

This was aural “home town advantage” to the max. Soltero, however, blanked it all out.

“Too many times I get lost with other things – the noise, the referee, the people,” Soltero said. “This time I stayed focused; this was the key to win.”

She admits to being anxious before battle. Soltero had prepared for the bout by practicing breathing drills: Deep breath in, explosive breath out.

That psychological/physiological preparation was critical given what was at stake. Though she has a multiplicity of PanAm and Open wins under her black belt, prior to Guadalajara, her biggest win at the sport’s elite level had been a bronze at this year’s Paris Grand Prix.

Now, one woman stood between Soltero and the world title in the W-67kg category: Team Serbia’s Aleksandra Perisic. From the start, their battle would be one of rare fervor.

After losing the first two points, Soltero seized three points with head kick, then the round went ballistic. Round 1 ended with a very tightly contested 6-5 score to Soltero. The crowd was ecstatic. If she would take Round 2, it would be game over.

The second round got underway with another head kick from Soltero, swiftly countered with a head kick from the Serb: Tied score. Then, in the dying seconds, Perisic scored to the body, keeping herself in the game – meaning all was to play for in Round 3.

It was intense. The battle accelerated the previous trends of the bout – kicks impacting on all targets, hard falls, high-tension instant video replays – but when the smoke cleared, Soltero was ahead.

The crowd went wild. Both Soltero – and members of Team Mexico in the VIP stands – wept literal tears of joy as she ran a victory circle with a flag held over her head.

“I was World Champion! I had obtained it!” she said. “I was crying because I could not believe it – crying was like breathing after a fight, like a relief.”

Explosive relief. Over three rounds, Soleto had managed to fight in silence: She had retained a deep mental focus with just one blip.  

“Only one time, during an instant video replay, I heard all the people shouting ‘Leslie! Leslie!’” she said. “The rest of the time, I was not listening.”

Soltero was lured to the game at a very early age. “I went to a multi-sports camp in summer 2008,” recalled the native of Mexicall, in northern Mexico. “I only liked Taekwondo, so I chose that.”

Fourteen years later, nothing has changed.

“Taekwondo is my passion, I feel happy even with training every day – even if I have pain, I enjoy it,” she said. “I enjoy fighting with my friends, I enjoy everything about Taekwondo, including the physical training.”

That is fortunate, as there will be no vacation after winning the world title: There is plenty of hard work ahead.

“I will keep training because I don’t know if I will go to the Grand Prix Final in Saudi,” she said. “If I go, I need to train. If not, I will also train – but not too hard!”

Due to the way the aftermath of Covid-19 has compressed World Taekwondo’s event schedule, there will be another World Championships next year. Then it is the big one: The 2024 Summer Olympics.

“I want to be an Olympic champion in Paris 2024 – that is the next call,” she said. “But before that, we have another World Championship next year, and we have the PanAm Games. But the biggest goal is the Olympics.”

On the path to Paris, Soltero is well positioned when it comes to support.

In addition to the full backing of her family, she credits her coach David Davis for much of her success.

“I started with him two years ago and from the start, I liked his way to work,” she said. “He has a plan – it is not improvisation.”

And beyond her family and coaching team is a wider support network – a national one. Even if she does not hear their chants and shouts when she is fighting, she borrows their power.

“Mexico is a beautiful country, because if you win, all Mexico wins, they all feel it,” she said. “They give me my energy.” 

El cargo Leslie Soltero: Fighting in the Silence apareció primero en PATU | Pan American Taekwondo Union.

A la reunión, reseña WT, asistieron el presidente de la Unión Asiática de Taekwondo, Kyu Seok Lee, y el secretario general, Jung Heon Kim; el presidente de la Unión de Taekwondo de Oceanía, John Kotsifas, y el secretario general, Stuart Lee, que se unieron por videoconferencia; el presidente de la Unión Africana de Taekwondo, Issaka Ide, y el secretario general, Balla Dieye; y el presidente de la Unión Panamericana de Taekwondo, Juan Manuel López Delgado. 

Durante la reunión, el Presidente Choue compartió información sobre el calendario de 2023, los planes para el 50º aniversario de la fundación del Taekwondo Mundial y el papel de las Uniones Continentales en la promoción del aniversario, y los avances del Taekwondo Mundial en materia de sostenibilidad y Taekwondo Virtual. Un tema clave que se deliberó fue la mejora de la gobernanza del Taekwondo Mundial, incluso en las asociaciones nacionales miembros (ANM) a través de una encuesta que se utilizará como ranking.

Luego, se debatió sobre una serie de temas clave, ya que las Uniones Continentales compartieron sus ideas y experiencias. Los temas de debate incluyeron el Programa de Desarrollo del Taekwondo Mundial, la afiliación, los eventos y las competiciones, la educación, el Para Taekwondo y los derechos y responsabilidades de las ANM.

El Presidente de World Taekwondo, Dr. Chungwon Choue, dijo:

“Siempre es importante que la sede y las Uniones Continentales estén alineadas en nuestra dirección y planes a través de este tipo de reuniones a nivel de trabajo.

“El año que viene es el 50º aniversario de nuestra fundación. No hace falta decir que el Taekwondo Mundial de hace 50 años era significativamente diferente de lo que somos hoy. Hoy, nuestro deporte es innovador y justo, nuestra organización está bien gobernada y es transparente, y el movimiento del taekwondo está ayudando a fortalecer la sociedad a través de nuestros esfuerzos humanitarios y de desarrollo social. Nunca hemos dejado de progresar. El 50º aniversario de la fundación, que se celebrará el año que viene, es la oportunidad perfecta para que miremos al futuro y establezcamos unos nuevos cimientos para las futuras generaciones de taekwondistas. Tenemos que dejar un legado del que puedan sentirse orgullosos”.

Con información de WT.

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