2025 promises to be an exciting year full of activities for the Pan American Taekwondo community. The Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), led by its president Juan Manuel Lopez, is preparing for a vibrant calendar that will inspire athletes, coaches and fans alike.
Powerful Starts with the Canadian and U.S. Opens
The year kicks off with a bang with the Canadian and U.S. Opens, traditional events that not only serve as competitive platforms, but also as opportunities for athletes to strengthen their preparation and earn important ranking points.
Seminars and Workshops: Boosting Education
True to its commitment to the integral development of the Taekwondo community, PATU will continue to organize educational seminars and workshops in all areas. From technical and refereeing training to workshops focused on event management and doping prevention, the union reinforces its mission to raise the professional level of all those involved in this martial art and Olympic sport.
Historic Events: Pan American Junior Games in Asuncion
One of the most anticipated moments of the year will undoubtedly be the Pan American Junior Games, scheduled for August in Asuncion, Paraguay. This event will mark a milestone with the inclusion of Poomsae, a discipline that continues to gain recognition worldwide. In addition, the incentive of awarding a direct pass to the first place for the Lima 2027 Senior Pan American Games adds an extra level of motivation and competition. Qualification for this great junior event will be held in Querétaro, Mexico, in April 2025, ensuring that only the best athletes reach this historic stage.
Central American Games in Guatemala
In October, Guatemala will host the Central American Games, an opportunity for the region’s athletes to showcase their talent at home and continue to consolidate the competitive level in the area. This event will also be key in preparing for future international challenges.
International Competitions and the World Championship in Wuxi
The traditional Rio de Janeiro Open in South America will continue to be a benchmark to measure the competitive level of the region. This event, along with other Opens, will prepare athletes for one of the most prestigious events of the year: the World Combat Championships, to be held in Wuxi, China, in October. PATU is committed to providing the best platforms for its athletes to arrive in top form for this global competition.
Reallocation of the President’s Cup and Creation of the Nations Cup
PATU has also announced the reassignment of date and venue for the President’s Cup, a G-3 category event that will be key for international ranking. In addition, a new event is being developed called the Nations Cup, which will be a competition for national teams in all disciplines: Kyorugi, Poomsae, Team Kyorugi, Para-Taekwondo and Virtual Taekwondo. This cup will be organized for cadets, juniors and adults, and is planned to be held in 2026. This project reflects PATU’s commitment to innovation and inclusion in sport.
Message from President Juan Manuel Lopez
“2025 will be a year of great challenges and opportunities for our region. We are working hard to ensure that every event is an unforgettable experience and a boost for our athletes and coaches. The inclusion of Poomsae in the Pan American Junior Games in Asuncion is just one example of how we are transforming Taekwondo in the Americas. Trust that we will continue to fight for the development and excellence of this sport that we love so much,” stated the president.
A Bright Future for Taekwondo
With a calendar full of historic events, development opportunities and high-level competitions, 2025 will be an unforgettable year for Pan American Taekwondo. PATU invites the entire community to join in this exciting journey and continue building together a bright future for the sport.
