Member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, attended the opening ceremony of the “IV Open Taekwondo Balkan Cup” in the Sports Hall “Futog,” which is one of the most important and largest martial arts competitions in the region. The Sports Association of Real Aikido ‘Futog’ and the Taekwondo Club ‘Soko’ with the support of the City of Novi Sad are the organisers of the competition.
“I am honored to open the largest taekwondo event in the region, with 689 competitors from 20 countries, in which, in addition to taekwondo, other combat sports will be promoted. This is a competition that celebrates accessibility, discipline, fair play and the values that sport carries in its purest form. In addition, this tournament has a strong humanitarian character, through cooperation with the NURDOR Foundation and support for children who are being treated for cancer. It is this bond, athletes, fighters, humanity and humanity, that elevates this event to a level that transcends sport. Because in sports, as in life, you win with your heart, not just with technique. And taekwondo is much more than a technique. It is discipline, self-control, courage and respect, exactly the values that Novi Sad carries as the European City of Sport 2026. We are especially proud that this event is being held right here, within the Futog sports complex, which symbolizes the strength of our sports community and the standards that Novi Sad sets as the European City of Sport 2026. The City of Novi Sad continuously supports the development of sports, equal access to sports for all and the organisation of sports events that raise the quality of our sport and contribute to the reputation of our city at the international level. It is our system, our policy and our commitment to make sport a pillar of the community, the identity of the city and a space in which everyone can grow,” said Tatjana Medved.
This year’s tournament is officially classified as the first AETF ranking tournament that aims to support excellence and provide greater visibility for athletes and referees and raise standards through international competitions. Over the course of three days, participants will compete in form disciplines, sparring fights, special techniques and strength tests, demonstrating skill, focus, discipline and supreme competitive spirit.
Novi Sad, 22 November 2025