To keep Taekwondo in the Olympics, running for WTF Presidency announced


WTF President Candidate, Nat Indrapana
"Even if I become the President of WTF, WTF Headquarters will not relocate. I will visit Korea to fill my duties as a President once every 2 months, or even every month."

These are the words from IOC Committee member, Nat Indrapana during a press conference on the 6th at Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Seoul, Korea.

Indrapana revealed that he held a meeting with IOC President Rogge on June 14th, and WTF Presidency candidates Athanasios Pragalos and Soo Nam Park's support of Indrapana's decision in running for the WTF presidency. Indrapana said "for an IOC Committee member to become a member of a national sport governing body, you need permission from President Rogge. I received that permission last month during our meeting. I also received a letter of support from two candidates." Of course this does not mean the other two candidates are out of the candidacy.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction towards current WTF status. "Why did Matos from Cuba did what he did at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. There are reasons for his actions" and added "I feel very irritated. It is uncertain Taekwondo will be part of 2016 Olympic Games. I am running for WTF Presidency to keep Taekwondo in the Olympic Games." He also said he has been considering running for the WTF Presidency for a long time and has finally made his decision.

When asked about the bribery scandal back in 2007 in Manchester, Indrapana responded "as an IOC member, I do not want to defame anyone's name" and avoided answering the question.

Nat Indrapana became an IOC Committee member back in 1990 and is currently a member of ICO Program Committee that chooses sports in the Olympic Games.

- James Kim (james@mookas.us)

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