DILI, 12 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Six Timorese taekwondo athletes are set to depart for Mongolia on May 18, 2026, to compete in the 27th Asian Taekwondo Championships, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar from May 19 at the M Bank Arena.
The continental championship is a key qualification event for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and is expected to bring together more than 1,300 athletes competing across poomsae, sparring (kyorugi), and para-taekwondo disciplines.
Of the Timor-Leste delegation, four athletes — two men and two women — will compete in kyorugi, while two others, one male and one female, will participate in the poomsae category.
The government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MKDAK), has provided US$35,000 in support for the team’s participation.
During a farewell ceremony in Dili, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento ecounraged the athletes to compete with determination and national pride.
“You are departing for Mongolia not just for competition, but to raise our flag and the dignity of our nation. You need to focus on the guidance of your trainers and compete with your heart,” the minister said.
He also called on the public to support the athletes as they aim to secure qualification for the Asian Games in Japan, describing the tournament as an important opportunity for international exposure and development.
Athlete Teresa Ximenes said the team has prepared well for the competition. “We have trained well and are ready for the competition. We hope that our preparation will produce good results,” she said.
The Asian Taekwondo Championships are regarded as one of the region’s most important qualification pathways for elite-level international competition, including the Asian Games.
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