Sir Philip Craven (centre) was awarded the 10th honorary black belt at the World Taekwondo President’s Cup ©WTF

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven has been awarded the 10th honorary black belt in recognition of his support of taekwondo.

Craven was presented the belt by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) President Chungwon Choue at the first edition of the World Taekwondo President’s Cup, which took place at the Telekom Dom in Bonn, where the IPC are based.

The recognition followed a period of close collaboration the two organisations, following the IPC recognising the WTF back in 2013.

Both bodies have since worked together to develop para-taekwondo across the world, in line with international best practice.

Last January, the IPC Governing Board announced that para-taekwondo was included on the programme for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. 

Taekwondo joined badminton as one of two additions to the programme, with sailing and football seven-a-side missing out of the list of 22 sports.

WTF President Chungwon Choue, left, visited the IPC headquarters with Sir Philip Craven ©WTF
WTF President Chungwon Choue, left, visited the IPC headquarters with Sir Philip Craven ©WTF

“We are delighted to award Sir Philip Craven with the 10th honorary black belt,” Choue said at a special ceremony.

“The WTF has worked closely with the IPC over the last few years and Sir Phillip has played a major role in helping us to develop para-taekwondo.

“Getting Para-taekwondo onto the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was a huge honour and we will continue to work with the IPC to grow our sport around the world.” 

After being awarded the belt, Sir Phillip praised the WTF for their continuing work to develop Para-taekwondo.