PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya successfully hosted one of its largest sporting events of the year as the “Pattaya International Open Taekwondo Championship 2026” concluded on May 10 at the Eastern National Sports Training Center.
The opening ceremony on May 9 was presided over by Poramet Ngampichet and attended by Mr. Kim Pyeong, President of the Kyonggido Taekwondo Association from South Korea, alongside senior city officials, education administrators, and sports representatives.
In his remarks, the Pattaya mayor praised the continued success of the international tournament, highlighting the growing popularity of taekwondo in Thailand. He noted that Thai athletes’ achievements on the global stage, including the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Championships, have helped elevate the sport nationwide, with taekwondo now widely integrated into school programs.
Now in its 6th edition, the two-day championship (May 9–10) featured both poomsae and sparring categories, drawing more than 1,000 athletes from across Thailand and attracting over 3,000 spectators. The event further strengthened Pattaya’s position as a key destination for sports tourism.
Organizers said the competition was designed to develop youth athletes by providing international-level experience and preparing them for higher-level championships, while also supporting Pattaya’s long-term vision as a “Sports City.”
This year’s event also featured appearances by Thai taekwondo stars, including Olympic gold medalist Panipak Wongpattanakit and national team athlete Ramnarong Sawekwiharee, who joined to inspire young competitors and boost morale throughout the tournament.
Admission was free for the public, with strong attendance recorded across both competition days.
