On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Danish city of Skanderborg hosted one of the most exciting taekwondo competitions of the winter season — the Nordic Taekwondo Championships 2026. Held at Fælledhallen, this vibrant event brought together elite athletes from across the Nordic region, with participants and spectators alike converging for a day filled with dynamic combat and technical excellence.
The Nordic Championships welcomed competitors from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, marking an unprecedented turnout in the event’s history. With more than 550 entries across both kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms), the atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle to the final medal ceremonies.
A Celebration of Nordic Taekwondo Excellence
Organized by Skanderborg Taekwondo Club in collaboration with the dedicated Nordic event team and supported professionally by Martial.Events, the championships were a true celebration of the sport. Athletes tackled fierce competition in both kyorugi and poomsae, navigating weight classes, age categories, and technical levels.
From the earliest matches at 9:00 AM to the evening finals, taekwondo practitioners of all ages brought their best — chasing Nordic titles and personal milestones. The event schedule, carefully planned and published in advance, balanced intense competition with a welcoming environment for families and club supporters.
While there were some minor technical challenges during the day — as is natural in events of this scale — the organizers handled these promptly, ensuring the tournament flowed smoothly and professionally overall. Athletes, officials, and coaches alike praised the energy and passion on display throughout the competition.
A special note of thanks was extended to the officials, referees, and volunteers, whose commitment underpinned the success of the championships. Without their tireless contributions, the event simply wouldn’t have reached the heights it did.
Forum and Foresight: Strengthening the Nordic Taekwondo Community
The Nordic Championships weekend began the evening before the tournament with the Nordic Taekwondo Forum — a key meeting where representatives from Nordic countries gathered to share insights and discuss future development of the sport across the region. Delegates from Denmark’s national board, including Søren and David, participated in strategic conversations about nurturing taekwondo talent and enhancing collaborative initiatives across borders.
The Forum set a tone for the weekend — one of growth, unity, and shared ambition — emphasizing not just how competitors prepare for today’s battles, but how coaches, federations, and clubs can elevate Nordic taekwondo in the coming years.
Hwarang Føroyar: A Proud Faroese Presence
A particularly inspiring story at this year’s championships was the participation of Hwarang Føroyar, the Faroe Islands taekwondo club that journeyed to Denmark with six dedicated fighters. While hailing from a small island community, the athletes embraced every moment of competition on the Nordic stage.
According to Noomi Heradóttir, chairperson of Hwarang Føroyar, the championship served as both a challenging test and a major learning opportunity for her team. Living and training primarily in the Faroe Islands and abroad, these athletes face unique challenges in accessing high-level competition — and events like the Nordic Championships are crucial in expanding their experience and confidence.
The Faroe Islands contingent included competitors across several age groups:
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Jónar Kristiansson Poulsen (41 kg, Cadet)
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Stefan Mifsud (48 kg, Junior)
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Jerrold Balagasay (-45 kg, Junior)
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Boas Hansen (-68 kg, Junior)
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Prashim Khadka (-54 kg, Senior)
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Høgni Kunoy Dávason (-74 kg, Senior) — who also trains with Nørrebro Taekwondo Klub in Copenhagen while representing his club and the Faroe Islands on the Nordic stage.
Their participation was not only a competitive experience but also a moment of pride, signaling that taekwondo communities from even the smallest Nordic nations can stand proudly alongside more established teams.
Swedish Power: Östermalms Hapkido & Taekwondo Makes Its Mark
Sweden’s Östermalms Hapkido & Taekwondo Club was another standout presence at the championships. Known within Swedish taekwondo circles as one of the country’s most ambitious and successful clubs, Östermalms consistently fields competitive athletes in national and international events.
At the Nordic Championships, Östermalms competitors appeared on fight sheets across multiple weight categories, pushing through tough brackets and often medalling against strong opponents from Norway, Denmark, and beyond.
Their participation reflects a broader tradition of excellence cultivated through strong club culture, dedicated coaching, and a supportive community in Stockholm’s taekwondo scene.
A Swedish Perspective: Stass Tsoy Reflects on His Return to Competition
Among the many stories of grit and determination, Stass Tsoy delivered one of the most heartfelt reflections of the event. Having stepped away from competition for eight years, Tsoy’s return to the mat at the Nordic Championships was about more than medals — it was a personal milestone.
In his own words:
“I felt in good form going into the competition. I was seeded into the semi-final and set to face the European champion. The semis were tight — I scored 7.8 points against my opponent’s 7.2.
Unfortunately, the mats weren’t regulation size, and I ended up colliding with my opponent…
The final went the way it did; my opponent landed strong sky kicks, and I lost.
All in all, I’m quite satisfied with my performance, especially after being away from competing for 8 years.”
Tsoy’s return wasn’t just technically successful — it inspired teammates and competitors alike, proving that the spirit of the sport can thrive well beyond the prime years of youth. His journey underscores the inclusive and lifelong nature of taekwondo.
Annie Hägg – Gold as Proof of Long-Term Commitment
After eleven years of focused training and two years as an active competitor, Annie Hägg achieved her major international breakthrough at the Nordic Taekwondo Championships 2026. Competing in the Junior +68 kg division, she claimed her first gold medal at a major international championship — a milestone that marked a defining moment in her career.
The victory stood as clear confirmation that years of early mornings, disciplined preparation, and consistent hard work had paid off. Beyond personal success, the result also signaled a strong start to the season and demonstrated that her development is firmly on the right path. With the gold medal from Skanderborg behind her, full focus now turns toward the next major objective: the World Championships in April in Uzbekistan, where Hägg will take the next step in a journey shaped by long-term ambition, discipline, and perseverance.
Results, Recognition, and Looking Ahead
While the detailed competition results are still being compiled officially, early reports show a wide distribution of medals across participating nations — with Sweden and Norway featuring strongly in multiple categories, including cadet and senior divisions.
As the curtains closed on this year’s Nordic Championships, many athletes left Skanderborg already setting their sights on the next big step — whether at national opens, European stages, or the next Nordic event. Organizers have confirmed that the Nordic Championship 2027 will be hosted in Sweden, continuing the tradition of rotating venues and strengthening Nordic camaraderie on the taekwondo stage.
In conclusion, the Nordic Taekwondo Championships 2026 was more than a competition — it was a celebration of community, resilience, and Nordic sporting spirit. From seasoned black belts to rising juniors, and from clubs large and small, the event highlighted why taekwondo continues to be one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing martial arts in Northern Europe.
Nyhed – Rekordstort Nordic Championship i Skanderborg – www.taekwondo.dk
The Nordic Championship i taekwondo 2026 | Facebook
Hwarang Føroyar til Nordic Taekwondo Championship 2026 í Skanderborg | Kringvarp Føroya
Svenska Mästerskapen i Taekwondo 2025 – Ett rekordstarkt SM
European Taekwondo Junior Championships 2025 in Switzerland
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