Master Nepali Officiates at the 2026 AAU Taekwondo Team Trials and Junior Olympic Games
KATHMANDU: International Taekwondo Master Sanjiv Nepali has achieved a significant milestone by serving as an official referee at the 2026 AAU Taekwondo Team Trials and Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Held from July 29 to August 2, the event formed a central part of one of the largest youth multi-sport festivals in the United States, organized annually by the Amateur Athletic Union.
Running from July 27 through August 8, the broader Junior Olympic Games brought together thousands of young athletes competing across numerous disciplines, including Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Swimming, Track and Field, and Flag Football. Operating under its historic philosophy of ‘Sports For All, Forever’ since 1888, the AAU continues to foster amateur sports and develop top-tier athletes, coaches, and officiating personnel nationwide.
Within the AAU Taekwondo calendar, the Team Trials represent the apex of competition. The tournament serves as the primary selection platform where gold medalists earn the privilege of representing the United States national team in international competitions. Master Nepali’s inclusion as an official at this elite gathering highlights the high level of trust and respect accorded to his technical evaluation skills.
This prestigious assignment follows his earlier officiating role at the 2026 AAU Taekwondo National Championships held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Officiating at both of the organization’s flagship national tournaments within a single calendar year reflects the confidence international sports bodies place in his technical expertise, fairness, and leadership. Bringing decades of experience as an athlete, coach, and international referee, Master Nepali’s continued presence on top American sporting stages elevates the profile of Nepalese sports officials and strengthens Nepal’s footprint in the global martial arts community.
