Following the results of the 2026 Australian Taekwondo AGM, Hassan Iskandar OAM steps into the role of new Australian Taekwondo Present. Saltis and Badreddine re-join the board for another term after a successful re-election.
History has been made for Australian Para Taekwondo. Shrijana Ghising has claimed Gold at the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix in Muju, Australia's first-ever Gold Medal at a World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix.
Shrijana delivered an outstanding campaign, defeating four world-class opponents without dropping a single round. Her path to Gold saw her overcome the World No. 11, World No. 1, World No. 6 and World No. 2 in succession, winning every match 2–0. Among those she defeated were two 2024 Paralympic Bronze Medallists.
In the Round of 16, Shrijana faced the World No. 11 Kizlarkhon Isomiddinova from Uzbekistan and produced a convincing 2–0 win to move confidently into the quarter-finals.
The quarter-final brought a meeting with Claudia Romero from Mexico, the current World No. 1 in the K44 F-47 Division. Showing real composure, Shrijana secured another 2–0 victory over the world's top-ranked athlete.
Her semi-final presented a significant test against the World No. 6 Zakia Khudadadi from France, a 2024 Paralympic Bronze Medallist. Ghising again delivered when it mattered, winning 2–0 to book her place in the final.
In the Gold Medal match, she faced Khwansuda Phuangkitcha, the World No. 2 from Thailand, another 2024 Paralympic Bronze Medallist. In a determined display, Shrijana completed her undefeated campaign with a final 2–0 win to take the title.
Coach Jerry Moraitis guided Shrijana throughout the tournament, and the Gold stands as a significant coaching milestone as well as a personal triumph for the athlete. The performance reflected careful preparation, strong strategy and the ability to perform at the highest level when it counted most.
More than a single Gold Medal, the achievement sets a new benchmark for Australian Para Taekwondo and represents another important step forward for Australia on the international stage.
Shrijana Ghising on the podium with her fellow competitors, as well as World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue.
The result is also Australia's first gold medal at a major World Taekwondo para event since Steven Currie's World Championship golds in 2010 and 2013, marking a landmark moment for the sport in this country. Steven and his coach Bernie Victor were pioneers of para-taekwondo in Australia, laying the foundations to have future athletes such as Shrijana stand on top of the mountain 13 years later.
Congratulations to Shrijana Ghising and Coach Jerry Moraitis on an achievement that will forever hold a place in Australian Taekwondo history.
Following the results of the 2026 Australian Taekwondo AGM, Hassan Iskandar OAM steps into the role of new Australian Taekwondo Present. Saltis and Badreddine re-join the board for another term after a successful re-election.
After three consecutive terms, Jean Kfoury OAM reflects on his time as Australian Taekwondo President.
Janine Watson has called time on her 19-year taekwondo career, competing at an international level in both kyorugi and poomsae. Watson finishes as Australia's most decorated para athlete, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the mat.
