Video released by Akorda
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev Receives Ninth-Degree Black Belt from World Taekwondo Federation
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has been awarded the highest honour in taekwondo, the ninth-degree black belt (9th dan), by the President of the World Taekwondo Federation, Chungwon Choue. This prestigious award was presented during a visit by Chungwon Choue to Astana, coinciding with the Kazakhstan Open 2025, an international G-1 level taekwondo tournament.
The ninth-degree black belt signifies the highest level of skill and knowledge in taekwondo, though President Tokayev admitted that he does not practice the sport regularly. In a light-hearted moment, he pledged to start exercising daily to justify the honour.
This honourary award strengthens Kazakhstan’s position and ties in the international sports community and promotes the growth and popularity of taekwondo in the country. It emphasizes the sport's philosophy of harmony, discipline, and mutual respect. The event also marked a deepening of cultural and sports relations between Kazakhstan and the World Taekwondo Federation, highlighting Kazakhstan’s expanding role as a host for major international taekwondo events such as the Kazakhstan Open, the Grand Prix Final in 2026, and potentially the 2027 World Championships.
During the formal meeting at the presidential residence, Chungwon Choue presented Tokayev with the honorary black belt, and in reciprocal recognition, Tokayev awarded Choue the Dostyq Order (Order of Friendship), Second Class, for his contributions to taekwondo worldwide. The ceremony included a symbolic sporting touch as Tokayev signed a special training board and humorously broke it with a single strike. A video of this moment was published on Akorda's Telegram channel.
This symbolic gesture recognizes Kazakhstan's growing influence and commitment to taekwondo development, fostering international cooperation in sports diplomacy, and honouring Tokayev’s support for the sport despite his non-athletic background. However, no further information was given about any multimillion-dollar gifts, resignations, or the end of the search in Sorbulak.
[1] Akorda. (2025). President Tokayev awarded the 9th dan black belt in taekwondo. [Online]. Available: https://www.akorda.kz/ru/news/prezident-tokayev-nagravlen-9-dan-chernym-poяsem-taekwondo
[2] Tengrinews.kz. (2025). Tokayev receives 9th dan black belt in taekwondo. [Online]. Available: https://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/tokayev-nagravlen-9-dan-chernym-poяsem-taekwondo/
[3] Kazinform. (2025). Tokayev receives 9th dan black belt in taekwondo. [Online]. Available: https://www.kazinform.kz/20250401/tokayev-nagravlen-9-dan-chernym-poяsem-taekwondo.html
[4] President.kz. (2025). The President of Kazakhstan receives the 9th dan black belt in taekwondo. [Online]. Available: https://www.president.kz/ru/news/prezident-kazahstana-nagravlen-9-dan-chernym-poяsem-taekwondo
[5] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. (2025). Kazakhstan's President receives the 9th dan black belt in taekwondo. [Online]. Available: https://kazakhstan2050.kz/ru/news/prezident-kazahstana-nagravlen-9-dan-chernym-poяsem-taekwondo
- The prestigious ninth-degree black belt in taekwondo, symbolizing the highest level of skill and knowledge, was awarded to Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, indicating Kazakhstan's growing influence and commitment to the sport.
- Despite his non-athletic background, President Tokayev expressed his intention to start exercising daily to justify the honorary ninth-degree black belt in taekwondo, promoting physical well-being and the growth of taekwondo in Kazakhstan.
