Rafael Khalatyan

Armenia

Sports Journalist at Inside the Games (UK)

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Articles

WT collaboration initiative opens

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Around 70 taekwondo practitioners from 23 countries have gathered at Taekwondowon in Muju, Korea, for the opening of the 2025 WT Partnership Taekwondo Programme. Held from 2-8 June, the initiative offered participants intensive training combined with cultural experiences. The programme was hosted by World Taekwondo, with Taekwondowon serving as the official venue.
Second Ukrainian MMA fighter banned

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The International Testing Agency, acting on behalf of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, has reported second recent anti-doping rule violation involving Ukrainian mixed martial arts athletes, resulting in periods of ineligibility and the disqualification of past results. Most recently, Ukrainian athlete Anastasiia Holinko has been sanctioned with a two-year period of ineligibility.
World Taekwondo's green initiative

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

World Taekwondo is increasingly embedding sustainability within its operational frameworks, notably through collaborations with product and service suppliers, which aligns with global commitments such as the Sports for Nature and UN Sports for Climate Action Frameworks. The initiative aims to foster a more sustainable future for the sport. A new approach, initiated by World Taekwondo in 2025, has seen a focused engagement with suppliers via a shared checklist on environmental topics.
Rio Open highlights inclusion and excellence

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Sanctioned by World Taekwondo and supported by PATU, the The Rio Open 2025, held from 27 May to 1 June at Arena Carioca 1, attracted over 1,000 athletes from more than 40 countries and included competitions in both kyorugi and poomsae, as well as a dedicated Para Taekwondo Open. The strong international participation, featuring delegations from nations such as Mexico, Peru, Canada, Panama, Colombia, the United States, Ecuador, and Uruguay brought together Olympic competitors and world champions.
Sported promotes judo club in UK

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The PSUK Judo Club, operating out of the Japan Arts Centre, has experienced a significant transformation thanks to a partnership with Sported, a UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting grassroots sports clubs. This collaboration has provided crucial financial aid and strategic guidance, enabling the club to develop and enhance its member experience. The journey began in the summer of 2023 when Jo Hunt, Founder and Coach at the Japan Arts Centre and PSUK Judo Club, sought new funding avenues.
Stars to shine at Grand Prix Challenge

3 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The 2025 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge is set to commence from 13-15 June at the Charlotte Convention Center in the United States, drawing a record number of elite athletes and rising talents globally. This year's Grand Prix Challenge marks a significant shift in its entry policy, now open to all athletes regardless of their Olympic ranking status.
Italy dominates European Judo Kata

3 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The European Judo Championships Kata Riga 2025 concluded in Latvia on 1 June, wit high-level technical performances, a commitment to inclusivity, and record participation. Nearly 400 judoka from 23 nations participated, with Italy topping medal table. Italians won five gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. The Netherlands finished second (5-5-1), and Germany (3-3-1) secured third place.
Egyptian karateka receives two-year ban

3 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Abdalla Hisham Abdel Gawad has been sanctioned with a two-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for the prohibited substance dexamethasone. The International Testing Agency, acting on behalf of the World Karate Federation, announced that the athlete accepted the consequences of his anti-doping rule violation. The positive test stems from a sample provided by Gawad on 29 January 2023, during an in-competition anti-doping control at the Karate 1 – Premier League held in Cairo, Egypt.
New Aussie para taekwondo leadership

3 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Australian Taekwondo has announced the appointment of Jerry Moraitis as its new para technical lead, a move aimed at advancing the nation's programme. Bringing over four decades of martial arts experience, Moraitis is set to develop a world-class, inclusive, and high-performance system for both Kyorugi and Poomsae disciplines. This appointment aligns with Australian Taekwondo's enhanced commitment to para taekwondo, guided by its newly formed Para Committee.
Tahiti hosts Oceania Judo Open

3 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The third edition of the tournament took place on 24-25 May at the Boris Leontieff Sports Hall in Arue, Tahiti, French Polynesia. The event, highlighted by the presence of Ukrainian Olympic champion Daria Bilodid, brought together judoka from four continents. The competition featured athletes from five nations. Notable performances came from New Zealand’s team, which demonstrated both depth and experience.