The 55th International Qualifying Umpire Course (QIUC) was successfully conducted on 4th and 5th July 2026 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India (Bharat) đŸ‡®đŸ‡³, marking an important occasion for the development of international-level ITF Taekwon-Do officiating in India. The prestigious course was conducted by Grandmaster Abelardo Rafael Benzaquen of Argentina đŸ‡¦đŸ‡·, Chairman of the ITF Umpire Committee. With his extensive international experience and deep knowledge of ITF competition rules and officiating standards, Grandmaster Benzaquen provided participants with valuable technical education, guidance, and practical knowledge throughout the programme.
The two-day QIUC provided an important learning opportunity for ITF officials, instructors, and practitioners seeking to strengthen their understanding of international officiating standards. Participants received detailed guidance concerning competition rules, officiating procedures, technical requirements, and the responsibilities expected of qualified ITF officials. The course brought together participants from India đŸ‡®đŸ‡³, Nepal đŸ‡³đŸ‡µ, Sri Lanka đŸ‡±đŸ‡°, and Malaysia đŸ‡²đŸ‡¾, making it an international gathering of ITF practitioners and officials. The participation of delegates from different countries provided opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional interaction, and the strengthening of international friendship.
The programme was further enriched by the presence of Grandmaster Paul Weiler of Germany đŸ‡©đŸ‡ª, President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), and Grandmaster Najmi Abdullah of Malaysia đŸ‡²đŸ‡¾. Their presence provided additional encouragement and contributed to the international spirit and success of the course. The 55th QIUC was efficiently organised by the All India ITF Taekwon-Do Association (Regd.), under the leadership of its President, Prof. Vijay Chahal, and Secretary, Sabum Santosh Kumar Yadav. The Association’s leadership remained actively involved throughout the programme, ensuring smooth coordination and professional execution.
Hosting the 55th International Qualifying Umpire Course in Gorakhpur was a significant achievement for the Indian ITF Taekwon-Do community. The successful programme contributed to the development of knowledgeable and professionally trained officials while supporting the consistent application of international ITF officiating standards. The course also strengthened cooperation among ITF practitioners and officials from participating countries and demonstrated India’s growing role in hosting international ITF educational and technical programmes. Participants expressed their appreciation for the high level of instruction provided by Grandmaster Abelardo Rafael Benzaquen and for the professional organisation of the course. The programme concluded successfully with participants gaining valuable knowledge and experience that will contribute to the continued development of ITF Taekwon-Do competitions and officiating.
The All India ITF Taekwon-Do Association (Regd.) sincerely thanks Grandmaster Abelardo Rafael Benzaquen, Grandmaster Paul Weiler, Grandmaster Najmi Abdullah, and all participating officials, instructors, practitioners, and international delegates for their valuable contribution to the success of the 55th QIUC.
The Association remains dedicated to promoting technical excellence, professional officiating, international cooperation, and the continued growth of ITF Taekwon-Do in India.
Event: 55th International Qualifying Umpire Course (QIUC) – Date: 4–5 July 2026 – Venue: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India (Bharat) đŸ‡®đŸ‡³ – Course Conductor: Grandmaster Abelardo Rafael Benzaquen, Argentina đŸ‡¦đŸ‡·, Chairman, ITF Umpire Committee – International Guests: Grandmaster Paul Weiler, Germany đŸ‡©đŸ‡ª, ITF President; Grandmaster Najmi Abdullah, Malaysia đŸ‡²đŸ‡¾ – Organiser: All India ITF Taekwon-Do Association (Regd.)
For more information: www.itftkdindia.in
