RIYADH — In cooperation with the Saudi Taekwondo Federation, the Korean Embassy hosted the Third Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Tournament at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium recently.

The awarding of the cup was attended by Adel Al-Assiri, director of Riyadh Office of General Sports Authority (GSA), Shaddad Al-Amri, president of Saudi Taekwondo Federation, and members of the Saudi Taekwondo Federation.

Korean ambassador Jo Byung Wook stated in his remarks that the increasing popularity of taekwondo in the Kingdom reflects the deepening cultural bonds between Saudi Arabia and Korea. He emphasized that the two countries should work together to further enhance cultural, sports and people-to-people exchanges at all levels between the two countries.

Jo Byung Wook said: “Taekwondo — the Korean martial art — aims to develop not only self-defense skills, but also mind and spirits of trainees. I think these traits make more than 5,000 Saudi people and over 80 million people around the world be attracted to taekwondo.”

The ambassador remarked that taekwondo is as much about harnessing the power of the mind as enhancing the physical speed and agility of the trainees, a characteristic that conforms to the people of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s own rich heritage.

Currently over 5,000 Saudis are registered nationwide as students of taekwondo.

The tournament hosted total of 177 participants. Mohammad Al Mdawi of the Abha Club won the gold medal in the Junior Category. Basam Al-Dosri of the Alfra Club won gold in the Cadets Category.

And last year, Saudi Arabia's great Taekwondo player 'Mohammed Al-Suwaiq' won first ever-gold medal in World Taekwondo Cadet Championship.

Enhancing cultural ties between the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Korea continues to be a top priority for the Korean embassy in Riyadh. The embassy is currently making preparations to launch the Korea Culture and History Exhibition at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia on Dec. 18, which will welcome the Saudi public for three months.