On Thursday, November 21, 2024, ITF Madagascar celebrated its 35th anniversary and invited the ITF President, Grand Master Paul Weiler, to Antananarivo to mark the occasion. Although his calendar is packed with activities, he gladly accepted to join with Madagascar Ministry of Youth and Sport in ITF Madagascar’s anniversay celebrations.
High-ranking representatives of the ministry in attendance
The opening address was given by ITF Madagascar Vice President Mr Maurice Rakotoarisoa, who gave a brief history of the development of Taekwon-Do in Madagacar since 1989, when some Korean coaches first visited the country and introduced Taekwon-Do. However, this phase only lasted around 5 years and the coaches were then recalled. From 1995 to 2015, the association was left to its own devices until 2014, when the current Technical Director, Sbn. Tafita Rakotoarisoa (5th Dan), made contact with GM Paul Weiler in Ethiopia on the occasion of an African Cup and invited him to Madagascar. He taught for the first time in Antananarivo in 2015 as part of the Africa project. Since then, further seminars have followed in Madagascar in 2016 and 2017, as well as in subsequent years in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, in which athletes from Madagascar took part.
During the opening address, several speeches followed. Mr Harinirina Rajohanesa Brice, Director of the Ministry of Youth, Health and Development, emphasised the importance of sport for physical and mental development. Ms Rosa Rakotozafy, Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, highlighted the versatility of the martial art of Taekwon-Do, which conveys social and spiritual values in addition to the health aspects. GM Paul Weiler gave an overview of the development of Taekwon-Do worldwide and especially on the African continent and in Madagascar. Mr Andrianjaka Mora, president of the ITF Madagascar, thanked all those present for their participation and support.
Recognised by the Ministry of Youth and Sport
In August this year, 10 years of hard work finally led to the desired success when the Ministry of Youth and Sports recognised ITF Madagascar. Now, this federation is able to organise official championships and represent the country accordingly. This is a huge step for the development of ITF in Madagascar and will have a positive impact on all of Taekwon-Do’s future goals.
Personal support as a cornerstone of development
The development and growth of small groups to national associations is a main target of ITF’s agenda for developing countries. The ITF family is proud to have established a personal support system where donated doboks will help local schools and gyms. This time, GM Weiler brought 19 doboks, donated by Master Oriolani from Italy, to Madagascar. While the ITF as a global federation had its many institutional benefits, the personal and direct support through its members is an additional highlight.
Seminar and Championship
On Friday and Saturday, 120 athletes took part in the technical seminar where basic techniques, Tul, step sparring and self-defence were taught and on Sunday the first official championship took place after the recognition by the Ministry of Sport. The Director of the Ministry of Youth, Health and Development spent almost the entire day in the hall, including the award ceremony, to demonstrate his support for Taekwon-Do.
Meeting with the Minister of Sport
On Monday morning, November 25, 2024, His Excellency Marson Moustapha Abdulah, the Madagascar Minister of Youth and Sports, and ITF President Grand Master Paul Weiler met in his office and talked about Taekwon-Do in general and ITF’s special programmes in particular. He was particularly impressed by the Kid‘s programme and its importance for children’s development in terms of character building (respect, education for peacefulness, etc.) and the versatility in terms of physical training such as speed, strength, endurance, coordination and agility. He emphasised his thanks to GM Paul Weiler, who is the only president of an international sports organisation to have visited Madagascar to date, and expressed interest in continuing the good relations. Among other things, he would like to come to the World Championships in Croatia in 2025, which could also mean that athletes from Madagascar would receive support from his ministry.
In summary, the meeting with the Minister of Sport can certainly be seen as a milestone in the history of the ITF in Madagascar and is the result of years of consistent and hard work. However, the recognition will also be important for development on the African continent, as the sports ministers of the countries know each other and can exchange experiences and recommendations.
13th International Do Course – Report
