On this day in 2015, the Kosova Taekwondo Federation (KTF) was granted full membership rights by the World Taekwondo Federation. Established in 2001 as the official governing body for the sport of taekwondo in Kosova, KTF had previously been admitted with limited rights as a provisional member of the International Taekwondo Federation at its 2013 Annual Congress.

Taekwondo was introduced to Kosova in 1998 by Master Nuhi Gashi, who founded the Prishtina Taekwondo Club. Since then, the sport has seen significant growth in the country, with dozens of clubs and schools now established, including the Prishtina Taekwondo School, Tiger Taekwondo and Hapkido Academy, Prishtina Martial Arts Academy, Kastrioti Taekwondo Club, Prizren Taekwondo Club, Gjilan Taekwondo Club, Shqiponja Taekwondo Club in Kaçanik, Mitrovica Martial Arts Academy, and Fushë Kosova Taekwondo Club.

Kosova’s sports federations faced numerous challenges in gaining international recognition and participation. However, after the Kosova Olympic Committee was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 2014, the path was cleared for many of the country’s sports federations to receive full membership. This change allowed Kosova’s athletes to compete on a global stage and showcase their talents and dedication.

The full membership of KTF in the World Taekwondo Federation marked a significant milestone in the development of Taekwondo in Kosova. It not only provided increased opportunities for Kosova’s athletes to participate in international competitions but also helped to further promote the sport and inspire future generations of Taekwondo sports in the country.