Sakis Pragalos, President of the European Taekwondo Union, expressed his condolences to the victims of the disaster affecting the Asian nation and urged federations, athletes, coaches and practitioners worldwide to support recovery efforts.
The international Taekwondo community has joined the people of Nepal in mourning following one of the most devastating natural disasters to affect the Himalayan region in recent years.
European Taekwondo Union (ETU) President Sakis Pragalos has publicly expressed his condolences and solidarity with the people of Nepal and, in particular, with the Nepal Taekwondo Association, following the devastating floods and landslides that have caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
The disaster has affected communities, homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, leaving thousands of people facing an extremely difficult humanitarian situation.
“The global Taekwondo family stands with Nepal”
In response to the scale of the emergency, Pragalos issued a message on behalf of the European Taekwondo Union addressed to the entire international Taekwondo community. “On behalf of the European Taekwondo Union, I express our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and the Nepal Taekwondo Association,” Pragalos stated.
The ETU President said that the organisation’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods as a result of the tragedy.
Pragalos stressed that the principles that define Taekwondo must extend far beyond competition, particularly at moments of profound human suffering.
Compassion, respect and mutual support, he said, are fundamental values of a sporting community that reaches millions of people across the world.
A call to Continental Unions and National Associations
The European Taekwondo President’s message went beyond expressing condolences. Pragalos directly appealed to Continental Unions, National Taekwondo Associations, athletes, coaches and practitioners around the world to contribute to initiatives aimed at supporting the people of Nepal.
He encouraged assistance through recognised relief funds, official humanitarian organisations and community initiatives supporting recovery and reconstruction. «Every contribution — big or small — will make a meaningful difference in aiding recovery and rebuilding lives,” Pragalos said.
His appeal reflects the broader responsibility of the international sporting community to respond when one of its members faces circumstances of such extraordinary difficulty.
Taekwondo responding through its values
Nepal has an important tradition within Asian Taekwondo and remains an active member of the international sporting structure through the Nepal Taekwondo Association.
The message from European Taekwondo therefore represents more than an institutional expression of sympathy. It is also a reminder that international sporting organisations can become powerful networks of solidarity when one of their communities is affected by tragedy.
For a global sport involving millions of practitioners, Pragalos emphasised that belonging to the Taekwondo family means much more than competition inside the court.
Discipline, respect, compassion and solidarity take on their greatest meaning when they are translated into action beyond sport.
The ETU President concluded his message with a direct expression of support for Nepal and its Taekwondo community: «Stay strong. You are not alone — the global Taekwondo family stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you.”
As Nepal continues to deal with the consequences of the disaster and begins the difficult process of recovery and reconstruction, Pragalos’ message presents a clear challenge to the international Taekwondo community: to turn solidarity into meaningful action.
MundoTaekwondo.com also extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Nepal Taekwondo Association and the entire people of Nepal during this extremely difficult time.
