Born in Bidur, Nuwakot, Nepal, Jagan Adhikari (Nepali: जगन अधिकारी) is a renowned Taekwondo practitioner and referee. His rise from a small Nepalese town to a globally renowned referee and instructor is evidence of his commitment, talent, and love for Taekwondo. He has made a substantial national and international contribution to the sport as the First Nepali Taekwondo National Referee in the United Arab Emirates. His proficiency and dedication are demonstrated by his 5th Dan black belt in Taekwondo and his efforts continue to motivate the upcoming generation of competitors and advance the sport internationally.
In 2003, Jagan started practicing Taekwondo at the Nuwakot Taekwondo Dojang under Coached by Master Ramesh Kumar Shrestha. He began by competing in district-level tournaments before advancing to national events, demonstrating his talent and commitment. By 2007, he had moved into coaching and was imparting his Taekwondo teaching skills. He taught at Bhairam Secondary School Taekwondo Dojang from 2008 to 2010, and then from 2010 to 2013 at Deep Jyoti Taekwondo Dojang, where he oversaw the daily training of more than 100 athletes.
Jagan's officiating career began in 2010 when he obtained his accreditation as a National Taekwondo Referee in Nepal, which was organized by Nepal Taekwondo Association, where his coach Master Ramesh accompanied him and registered him in the seminar. His love of the game and commitment to perfection brought him to the United Arab Emirates, where he became the nation's first Nepali National Taekwondo Referee in 2022.
One of Jagan's career milestones was competing in the G2-ranked 2024 U.S. Open Championships in Reno, Nevada. He organized a team of Nepali Taekwondo practitioners from the United Arab Emirates to participate in the World Taekwondo Hanmadang in South Korea in July 2024. Athletes have been motivated by his leadership and experience, which has improved their performances on global platforms.
Along with his accomplishments as a referee and coach, Jagan was a key coach at the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which was organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and initiated by the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. During this month-long celebration of wellness and fitness, his training programs helped more than 500 participants.
Jagan successfully finished the Taekwondo International Master Course in November 2024, which was hosted by the World Taekwondo Master Union (WTMU) in Chicago, USA, and organized by Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters). During the course, he was awarded the Outstanding Performance Citation Certificate by Kukkiwon, presented by Sun Lee Kim, Director of the World Taekwondo Academy, in recognition of his Outstanding Performance among the trainees and his dedication to the development and expansion of Taekwondo. Additionally, 3-time World Champion and former Head Coach of the Korean Taekwondo Poomsae National Team Kukkiwon Grand Master Jae-yoon An presented him with the prestigious Kukkiwon belt. After receiving the award Jagan stated, "I am truly happy and blessed to receive this prestigious award, which is a dream for many Taekwondo practitioners. I would like to thank all my senior Gurus, Masters, Grand Masters and a special thanks to the Ambassador of Nepal to the UAE, His Excellency Tej Bahadur Chhetry, who bid me farewell at the Nepal Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, before my departure. This recognition has made it all worthwhile." His status as a highly skilled Taekwondo master was further cemented by this achievement.
Now, Jagan works with Korean Master Namho Kwon as a Taekwondo Instructor at Abu Dhabi Hankook Taekwondo. He promotes a worldwide Taekwondo community by training athletes of many nationalities, such as Korean, Filipino, UAE, and Colombian athletes.
In another remarkable achievement, Jagan won the Bronze Medal at the 2025 Baekseok University President’s Cup Online International Taekwondo Championships. Competing against top athletes from around the globe, this medal reflects his continuous drive to sharpen his own skills and represent Nepal through performance—not just leadership. (Jagan remarked that he was grateful for the opportunity to compete on an international platform, showcasing his abilities while reinforcing his passion for Taekwondo.)
In July 2025, Jagan achieved one of the greatest honors in his refereeing career: he was appointed as an official referee at the prestigious World Taekwondo Hanmadang 2025, held in Los Angeles, California, USA and he officiated successfully. His departure for the USA was honored in a special send-off ceremony by Nepal’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Tej Bahadur Chhetri, along with staff members from the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi.
Awards/Recognitions
- Outstanding Performance Award – Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo Acamedy, Chicago USA, November 2024
- Honored by Nuwakot Society – South Korea, July 2024
- Felicitated by Nuwakot FM 106.8 MHz – Nepal, October 2023
- Awarded by National Folk Cultural Association Nepal – UAE Chapter, April 2023
- Commended by Bhairum Secondary School – Nepal, 2010
Media Coverage:
- KantipurNews – International Taekwondo Master Jagan Adhikari was honored with the Outstanding Performance Award in the United States
- NagarikNews – Jagan Adhikari the UAE's First Nepali National Referee was honored in Dubai
- NagarikNews – Prem won a Silver Medal in the World Taekwondo Hanmadang under the coaching of Coach Jagan Adhikari.
- NagarikNews – Coach Jagan Adhikari received an honor in South Korea
- Neplays.com – Taekwondo Master Jagan Honored in Dubai
- MeroKhel.com – Coach and National Referee Jagan Honored in Dubai
- Kheladi.com – Taekwondo Instructor Adhikari Honored in Dubai
2025 Baekseok University President’s Cup Online International Taekwondo Poomsae Championships
G2-ranked 2024 U.S. Open Championships in Reno, Nevada – Participated
2024 World Taekwondo Hanmadang – South Korea – Participated as Coach and Player