In recent years, Taekwondo and Judo as martial art disciplines have made a remarkable growth in Jordan, establishing its mark on the global sports platform.
The Rise of Taekwondo
Introduced in 1973, the popularity of Taekwondo in Jordan has increased in many ways particularly under the sponsorship of King Abdullah II. The popularity of the sport increased after Ahmad Abughaush won Jordan’s first ever Olympic gold medal in the men’s 68 kg event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The historic victory sparked nationwide euphoria and a major increase in interest was witnessed. Interestingly, 50,000 Taekwondo kits were sold within three months of Abughaush’s triumph which is a sum usually attained over a year.
Riding on this wave, more athletes such as Julyana Al-Sadeq have continued to raise Jordan’s Taekwondo profile. Al-Sadeq became the first Arab and Jordanian woman to be number one on the World Taekwondo rankings in 2022 after winning gold at the Saudi Grand Prix.
The Rise of Judo
Along with Taekwondo, Judo has also been making some major strides in Jordan. The Jordan Judo Federation has worked to popularize the sport by holding national championships that have brought more than 370 competitors from different clubs. In an effort to develop the grassroots level, the federation introduced the ‘Judo in Schools’ initiative in 2019 by incorporating the sport into school curriculum.
In evidence of its dedication to diversity, Jordan brought forward its first blind Judo team in 2023, opening up new doors and widening the sport’s horizon. Organizing events such as the West Asian Judo Championship further establishes Jordan as a regional hub for Judo.
Jordan’s smart investments and constant support for Taekwondo and Judo have boosted a strong martial arts culture. Through global accolades and ground level programs, the kingdom is still inspiring a new generation of martial artists and cementing its position as a force to reckon with in the international martial arts scene.