THE BEAUTY OF ASIAN POLICE TAEKWONDO

A Taekwondo performance that amazed the audience.  Over 2,000 athletes from police forces and civilians, 60 international refeeres from 19 countries across Asia, Africa and America participated (Photo: WAJ)

*The Beauty of Asian Police Taekwondo

While the world faces numerous upheavals, with several civil wars and international conflicts remaining unresolved, law enforcement officials in Asia have introduced an initiative: the 2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships. This event aims to connect police forces and civilian Taekwondo practitioners from Asia and other continents, bringing them together to improve their health, foster unity and create collective strength to protect peaceful lives and maintain global peace.

The tournament is jointly organized by the World Police Taekwondo Federation (WPTF) and the Vietnam People’s Public Security Sports Association (VPPSSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam. It is held in Ha Long (Quang Ninh, Vietnam) - one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. The championship has attracted over 2,000 athletes from police forces and civilian sectors representing 19 countries across Asia, Africa and America.

After 4 days of competition in various categories: sparring, poomsae, breaking and self-defense, the police and civilian athletes demonstrated not only their martial arts excellence but also revealed another kind of beauty - the connection between people dedicated to their mission of protecting global peace.

Some matches saw athletes voluntarily conceding defeat once their opponents had taken the lead, partly due to time constraints and partly out of a shared spirit of unity and friendship between police forces and civilians across different countries. For instance, the Tunisia team, comprising 31 police officers (including officers and their children), brought their strong athletes to participate in the spirit of cultural exchange. Similarly, the Canadian delegation (with two teams) led by coach Kamal Samer - a bronze medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympics - despite being among the strongest teams in North America, came with an attitude of exchange and learning, showing their "respect for Vietnamese and Asian police officers." There were cases where delegations of 30 people had 13 members slightly overweight and unable to compete, returning home with fewer medals than expected. In some weight categories, despite numerous participants, only one set of medals was available, causing concern for the Korean head referee (who supervised the sparring matches) upon seeing athletes who had trained hard and invested time and money leaving empty-handed. We observed many beautiful, noble gestures between athletes and coaches. They overcame all obstacles and difficulties, staying to enthusiastically support other teams. Some victorious athletes walked arm in arm with their opponents, carrying both national flags while running around the arena. Many female athletes who lost were consoled by their winning opponents in the restroom. Some coaches even took care of their opponents' athletes.

What makes this tournament special is that most of the police and civilian athletes and coaches are deeply aware of their mission: strive for peace around the world. They competed with the highest sense of sportsmanship, without the fierce win-at-all-costs mentality seen in many other tournaments. Instead, there were tears of emotion (or slight regret), of sharing, sincerity and friendship - promises to meet again. This is also one of the rare occasions where we truly felt the genuine attachment and unity among international police referees, coaches and athletes after the competition, completely different from farewells at other tournaments. Perhaps this is the true beauty of police officers practicing Taekwondo in Asia and around the world!

Coach Rashidul Hasan (Bangladesh) shared: The competition was well-structured and the level of participation from various teams showcased the diversity and talent present in Asian Taekwondo. Security measures were well-managed, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Vietnamese police. Their professionalism ensured a safe and smooth experience for all participants. The warm hospitality and friendliness of the Vietnamese people made the stay truly memorable. The dedication shown in managing this mega event reflects the strength and efficiency of Vietnam’s organizational skills. I am confident that with each championship, Vietnam will continue to elevate the standard of Taekwondo events.

Opening ceremony of the "2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships" in Ha Long (Vietnam) - one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world (Photo: WAJ)

*The Beauty of Vietnamese Police

The remarkable success of the "2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships" was largely thanks to Vietnam's meticulous preparation as the host country. Although this was Vietnam's first time hosting a police Taekwondo tournament, facing many initial challenges and difficulties, particularly as Ha Long (the tournament venue) had just experienced Vietnam's most severe storm in 60 years. The storm caused extensive damage to local residents and businesses in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh. Hotels, restaurants, roads and vessels suffered heavy damage and the Dai Yen Sports Arena (the tournament venue) lost its roof. Meanwhile, the tournament was scheduled to begin in less than three months. With strong determination, local residents, provincial police and Quang Ninh's leadership worked diligently to repair and restore the sports arena, streets, landscapes and infrastructure. Quang Ninh police forces worked in shifts day and night, often eating boxed meals in elevators, in the rain, or on streets, all racing against time to complete the infrastructure for the tournament.

To ensure security for the tournament, 2,000 police officers conducted a month-long rehearsal for event protection. Thousands of iron barriers were installed to safeguard the square and prepare the outdoor performance area for the event's opening. A cavalry unit and traditional drum troupe were transported from Hanoi to Quang Ninh (about 170km away) to participate in the mounted parade. Hundreds of artists, volunteers and nearly 1,000 cadets from the police academy practiced for an entire month to deliver an unforgettable opening ceremony.

The tournament garnered heartfelt praise from international police referees, athletes and coaches: "The opening ceremony was as elaborate as the Olympics," "The organizing committee did an outstanding job that couldn't have been better," "This is a model that other countries and future tournaments should learn from," "The police were very dedicated, lovely and kind. We cannot forget Vietnam. Thank you, Vietnam"...

 Organizing Committee and 60 international refeeres (Photo:Organizing Committee )

International referee Tony Wong (Malaysia) shared: The Opening ceremony is Fantastic, the performance of various Vietnamese dances and together with the Taekwondo demonstration is just beyond words, A world class performance ( 7 stars , full points). The police security is good courtesy and professional. Vietnam is a very beautiful country unfortunately we were too busy, maybe next time. Thank you to the wonderful people of Vietnam, very helpful, friendly and warm.

International referee Sanny Harsono (Indonesia) shared: Amazing Championship, huge an opening ceremony and the Vietnamnese people very helpful.

During the tournament days, while referees often had to start early and finish late, enduring fatigue, but they were warmly escorted by Quang Ninh police, who provided tight security, even using lead vehicles to transport them. The distinction between hosts and guests, between police and civilians, dissolved and they became friends. From the first day of competition to the end, referees, athletes and coaches consistently praised Ha Long Bay, the local police and the community. They shared that their delegations didn’t just come to compete but also to recharge amidst the stunning natural landscapes and climate of Ha Long, Vietnam. The atmosphere was so uplifting that athletes felt less like they were competing and more like they were enjoying the tournament.

At the end of each competition session, referees took turns dining in the sports arena's dining area, where meals were delivered directly from hotels to save time. These meals, consisting of fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, were regularly varied, earning high praise from international referees. Some even asked: "Do the police and people here usually enjoy meals as good as these?" I replied, "I’m not sure. What I do know is that the people and police here have just endured the most devastating storm in Vietnam’s history."

When it was time to bid farewell, the international referees urged me: "Please write an article about the police and people here. We’ve participated in tournaments across many countries, but the Quang Ninh police and Vietnamese police have left the deepest impression on us with their dedication, sincerity and hospitality. Please extend our gratitude to the police and the people of Vietnam."

Referees capturing memorable moments with Vietnamese police. (Photo: WAJ)

Colonel and international referee Mohammad Reza Pasfar (Iran) shared: The people of Vietnam - Halong are really kind and respectful. I hope I can return to this beautiful city once again.

*The Beauty of Unity

Grandmaster Bang Seung Ho, President of the World Police Taekwondo Federation (WPTF), expressed his admiration for the words of Vietnam’s national hero, President Ho Chi Minh: "Unity, unity, great unity; success, success, great success." He emphasized that this spirit was at the core of both the organizing committee and WPTF. The 2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships serves as a testament and a commitment to that unity. After this tournament, the Taekwondo practitioners in police forces and civilian sectors will draw closer, fostering greater understanding and solidarity in their shared mission to protect peace and ensure safety for people worldwide.

The "2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships" gathered a large international police force of Taekwondo practitioners in Vietnam, creating a professional, unified and grand tournament. This success resulted from the efforts of thousands, from volunteers, caregivers, sponsors, police students, athletes, police and civilian coaches, to international referees, leading officials, police forces and Vietnamese agencies, as well as many Vietnamese, Korean and international citizens who contributed silently.

President WPTF Bang Seung Ho, who met twice with Vietnam's President, General Secretary To Lam and Minister of Public Security to discuss the tournament, shared: "Vietnam's current leader is also a peace-loving police officer. He laid the foundation for the Asian Police Taekwondo Championship in Vietnam. Although both sides faced many challenges and difficulties during coordination, the tournament ultimately concluded successfully. Thank you to Vietnam's leaders, police and people."

General Luong Tam Quang, Vietnam's Minister of Public Security (Chairman of Vietnam People’s Public Security Sports Association, Head of the Steering Committee for "2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships") emphasized: We hope that the tournament will transmit the following message to referees, coaches, athletes and worldwide friends: "Solidarity - Nobility - Humanity - Together to protect a peaceful life, for peace for all mankind". We firmly believe that a successful tournament with a noble sportsmanship spirit will deeply demonstrate the solidarity, close and effective cooperation between law enforcement agencies of countries to protect a peaceful life, for peace for all mankind.

Minister , General Luong Tam Quang, Vietnam (third from left) and international referees at the reception (Photo: WAJ)

Colonel Nguyen Thi Thuy Thanh, Vice President and Secretary General of Vietnam People’s Public Security Sports Association shared: "We are working to build a sustainable and professional people's public security sports foundation, contributing to improving Vietnam's sports achievements, ready for a new era of Vietnamese national development, as well as gradually approaching and reaching the level of countries with developed sports in the continent and worldwide."

 Grandmaster Bang Seung Ho (Korea) and Colonel Nguyen Thi Thuy Thanh (Vietnam) (Photo: WPTF)

International referee Rusland Bakiyev (Kazakhstan): I must admit that I see such an organization for the first time, considering that it is not G class and I was surprised many times by the details and approach to organizational issues, it was immediately obvious that a lot of work was done and a large number of Valanters and Military were involved, the Grand Opening is just a Super Mega Show with a very high-quality performance and a well-thought-out scenario. which was thought out to the minute and no one had time to get tired or leave before the end of the performance, I think everyone liked it. I think in fairness I should note the lack of experience in holding the tournament itself, that is, distributing the number of fights and so on. But in general this did not spoil the general mood and impressions of the entire trip to Vietnam for the 2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships. I really liked everything. Thank you very much to everyone who took part in this event...).

Top 10 international referees of the 2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships (Photo: Organizing Committee)

Perhaps the three beauties - of Police Taekwondo, Vietnamese police and unity - created the overall beauty of the "2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championships." Hopefully, each police Taekwondo practitioner in particular and civilian Taekwondo practitioners worldwide in general will always be aware of their mission, striving to maintain health, preserve unity, protect peaceful lives and maintain world peace.

Ha Long, 12/2024