Olympic medallist Jendoubi tops bill in talent-packed taekwondo event

ESSEN – Tunisian Olympic medallist Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi is set to be the headline act when a high-quality taekwondo field bids for honours at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.

Jendoubi grabbed the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the men’s -58kg and the bronze at Paris 2024. But the triple African champion arrives in Essen as heavy favourite to reach the top step of the podium at the age of 23.

The women’s event is also stacked with world-class competitors, led by Ilenia Matonti (ITA), who finished 11th at Paris 2024 where she became the first Italian woman to compete in the sport at an Olympic Games since 2008.

Fighting in the -49kg category, 20-year-old Matonti has revived interest in the sport in her homeland and is tipped for the top.

Home nation hopes

Supharada Anya Kisskalt (GER) leads the charge for the host nation in Essen where she will be the face of the sport as a Rhine-Ruhr 2025 ambassador as well as Germany’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony.

The Thai-born student-athlete is a European Games bronze medallist in the women’s -49kg category and also took bronze at the Chengdu 2023 FISU World University Games.

“The FISU Games are a huge challenge, especially since they're taking place right here in North Rhine-Westphalia,” said Kisskalt, who studies at the University of Applied Sciences in Ansbach.

“At my first FISU Games in China, I stood on the podium alongside Olympic athletes. I’m sure I’ve improved and developed bit by bit since then. Maybe I’ll make it to the top this time.

“My family and friends will be there. It will be a super-cool atmosphere with cool athletes from all over the world.”

German trio Laura Göbel, Emily Hörmann, and Jona Pörsch also carry medal hopes for the host country.

High standard

Taekwondo originated in the Republic of Korea, and the motherland of the discipline has sent a strong squad, including Lee Seungyeop (KOR) in the men’s -54kg. Lee hails from Keimyung University, a production line of competitive student-athletes.

Competitors will contest 24 individual and team events across two disciplines – Poomsae and Kyorugi – between 17 and 23 July. Adrian Wassmuth, sports manager for the taekwondo competition, believes fans are in for a treat.

“The Korean teams are always strong in both Poomsae and Kyorugi, and Chinese Taipei should also be strong,” he said.

“The standard will be very high because we are now a federation-recognised event with G4 status, which means student-athletes can earn more ranking points. So it is a similar standard to a European championships.”

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