Croatian Taekwondo Federation Enters New Era as Toni Nobilo Steps Down After Decade of Success

Toni Nobilo, a figure synonymous with the rise of taekwondo in Croatia, is concluding his decade-long tenure as president of the Croatian Taekwondo Federation. His departure marks the end of an era characterized by significant growth and success for the sport, both domestically and internationally. As reported by Večernji List, Nobilo's leadership has seen the federation's budget more than triple, the number of professional coaches nearly triple, and the athlete development programs expand substantially.

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When I took over the leadership of the Federation, the budget was 255 thousand euros, and this year it is 784 thousand. In 2016, we had three professional coaches, and now we have nine. In development programs, we had 28 athletes, and now we have 46.

Nobilo, a respected lawyer and former European and World Championship medalist himself, took the helm in 2016 when the federation was navigating a period of crisis following controversies surrounding government awards. He successfully stabilized the organization and laid the groundwork for its subsequent achievements, which include an impressive haul of 38 European, 14 World, and three Olympic medals over the past decade.

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Although the president is not responsible for medals, but rather the achievements of coaches and their athletes, I will also say that Croatian taekwondo has won 38 European, 14 World, and three Olympic medals in the last 10 years.

His decision to step down is framed as a positive move for the federation's democratic health, preventing any potential for stagnation or autocratic tendencies. Nobilo emphasized that he achieved his goals: first, to stabilize the chaos, and then to professionalize the operations, separating management from coaching autonomy.

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For any democracy, 'ventilation' is good. Ten years is a long period, and whether we like it or not, every presidency begins to resemble autocracy a bit. Therefore, I believe it is good for this sport that I am leaving voluntarily and that I am handing over leadership to my successor under controlled conditions.

Looking ahead, Nobilo expressed strong confidence in his successor, Dragan Primorac, who has served as vice-president for four years. Primorac, a taekwondo practitioner with a medical career, is expected to ensure continuity and build upon the strong foundation Nobilo has established. The transition is seen as smooth, with the federation in a much stronger position than when Nobilo initially took over, ready for its next chapter under new leadership.

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I believe that Primorac will at least maintain the same level, and in some segments, surpass it. Therefore, it can be stated that Primorac is taking over the Federation in a much better state than Nobilo found it.