Munich witnessed one of the most memorable nights in recent European taekwondo history during the celebration of the European Taekwondo Gala, an elegant and emotional event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU).
By MundoTaekwondo.com | Special Coverage from Munich, Germany
Held at the prestigious Augustiner Schützengarten on Zielstattstraße, the gala brought together presidents of national federations, World Taekwondo officials, legendary athletes, referees, pioneers, and some of the most influential leaders who have shaped the development of European taekwondo over the past five decades.
MundoTaekwondo.com was present on-site through its Director General, Carlos Hernandez, witnessing firsthand a celebration that combined history, diplomacy, recognition, and the strong spirit of unity that today defines the European taekwondo movement.
The evening unfolded under the impeccable organization of the German Taekwondo Federation, in coordination with the European Taekwondo Union, delivering an atmosphere of prestige and fraternity worthy of one of the most influential continental organizations in world sport.
Sakis Pragalos Leads a New Era for European Taekwondo
At the center of the celebration stood ETU President Sakis Pragalos, whose leadership was repeatedly recognized throughout the evening for transforming the organization into a model of stability, growth, and international credibility.
Under his administration, the ETU has strengthened cooperation among national federations, expanded continental development programs, modernized event presentation, and reinforced Europe’s role as one of the driving forces behind global taekwondo.
Multiple speakers highlighted the ETU’s evolution into an organization built not only on sporting excellence, but also on institutional unity and long-term strategic vision.
“European Taekwondo is one great family,” became one of the defining sentiments repeated throughout the night by leaders and guests alike — a reflection of the atmosphere of respect and collaboration that marked the celebration.
Dr. Chungwon Choue Honors Europe’s Historic Contribution
One of the most important moments of the evening came with the presence and speech of Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo and guest of honor of the gala.
In an inspiring address, Dr. Choue praised Europe’s historic contribution to the worldwide expansion of taekwondo and paid tribute to the generations of athletes, referees, coaches, and administrators who helped build the prestige of the sport across the continent.
His message emphasized the importance of preserving taekwondo’s educational values while continuing to modernize the sport for future generations.
A Night of Recognition and Emotion
Throughout the evening, emotional tributes and recognition ceremonies honored pioneers and long-serving personalities whose dedication helped establish European taekwondo as one of the strongest and most respected continental structures in the Olympic movement.
Awards, commemorative gifts, and standing ovations celebrated decades of service and commitment to the sport.
Many of the guests described the gala as more than a ceremonial event — it was a reunion of generations united by taekwondo values, shared history, and a collective vision for the future.
The gala also welcomed the President of Taekwondo Africa, Ide Issaka, distinguished World Taekwondo delegates, ETU Executive Board members, international referees officiating at the European Senior Championships, and numerous historic figures who have been part of European taekwondo since the founding years of the ETU in 1976.
The celebration concluded shortly before midnight following a spectacular gala dinner presented under the highest standards of German and international cuisine, in an atmosphere of friendship, elegance, and camaraderie.
Munich 2026 Reflects the ETU’s Organizational Strength
The success of the gala also reflects the organizational level currently being showcased during the European Senior Taekwondo Championships at the BMW Arena Park.
From venue presentation and logistics to media operations and competition management, Munich 2026 has demonstrated the ETU’s commitment to innovation, professionalism, and international standards.
The current ETU leadership structure includes Vice Presidents Angelo Cito, Slavi Binev, Metin Şahin, Jesús Castellanos, Constantin Apostol, Gerd Kohlhofer, and Anatoly Terekhov, alongside Secretary General Antonio Barbarino and Treasurer Norbert Welu.
Also playing important roles within the organization are internationally respected figures such as Juanjo Padrós, Martin Fleming, Alexander Hübl, José Luis Sousa, Bahri Tanrıkulu, Maria Erenskjold, Christos Manolis, Michail Mouroutsos, Artur Chmielarz, Kenneth Schunken, ETU Director General Ioannis Mouroutsos, Sports Director, Effie Zikouli, Media, and many others who continue strengthening the present and future of European taekwondo.
As the ETU celebrates half a century of history, the message from Munich was clear: European taekwondo is not only honoring its past — it is confidently building its future.
