President Rick Shin Honors Father’s Legacy as Professional Taekwondo Pathway Opens in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal — September 2024 — In a historic move that sets a new precedent for professional sports in Nepal, President Rick W. Shin of Kombat Taekwondo (KT) has officially launched Kombat Taekwondo Nepal. During a press event held at the iconic Kathmandu Guest House (KGH), this milestone establishes Nepal’s first professional sports league and positions the country as a hub for KT’s professional events across Southeast Asia.

The event brought together key figures from the Taekwondo and broader sports community, with major support from Impressions Nepal, the International School Sports Federation (ISF) Nepal, and the National Taekwondo Association of Nepal (NTAN). Among the notable attendees were Mr. Eknath Thapa, a founding member of Taekwondo in Nepal and newly appointed President of Kombat Taekwondo Nepal, and Mr. Raju Dhungel, President of Impressions company and Nepal Banking News, who has been named an official partner of KT’s professional events. Also present was Mr. Raj Kumar Karki, Executive Committee Member of ISF Nepal, who pledged full support for the initiative, and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Rai, Secretary General of NTAN, representing a network of 1,200 clubs and over 30,000 members across Nepal.

President Rick Shin outlined his vision of transforming Nepal into a premier destination for professional Taekwondo events in Southeast Asia, drawing fighters from around the world and enhancing Nepal’s sports tourism. The professional events will be broadcast live on major international networks, including ESPN, ESPN Star+, Disney+, and others, shining a spotlight on Nepal’s rich culture and heritage.

This launch is especially meaningful for President Shin, as it honors his father, Chief Grand Master Jay K. Shin, the man credited as the Father of Nepal Taekwondo. In 1983, the elder Shin introduced Olympic Taekwondo to Nepal, leading the country to its first Olympic medals at the 1988 Seoul Games. Having lived in Nepal for six years, Rick Shin has deep personal ties to the country, which he considers his childhood hometown. “We are continuing my father’s legacy by creating professional opportunities for athletes in Nepal and putting the country on the world map,” said President Rick Shin.

Further demonstrating Kombat Taekwondo’s commitment to Nepal, President Shin also introduced Kombat Cares, KT’s non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting social projects that benefit the Nepalese community. This initiative reinforces KT’s dedication to fostering positive change beyond the sporting arena.

Looking ahead, President Shin announced the launch of RESPECT TOKEN, a decentralized digital token, set to debut on October 25, 2024, during the Kombat Taekwondo Grand Prix 003 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With the introduction of RESPECT TOKEN and other business ventures, Kombat Taekwondo’s valuation is projected to soar to between $150 and $200 million, making it one of the fastest-growing professional sports organizations worldwide.

For more information about Kombat Taekwondo, Kombat Cares, and the expansion into Nepal, visit Kombat Taekwondo.