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Harrogate taekwondo master awarded MBE for long-standing contribution to sport

Kambiz R. Ali and his daughter Gazell at Windsor Castle (Image: @kambiz_r.ali)

Harrogate taekwondo master Kambiz R. Ali has been awarded an MBE in recognition of decades of dedication to sport in the local community.

The 7th Dan taekwondo master and founder of Harrogate KTA travelled to Windsor Castle on Tuesday (March 10th) to attend an investiture ceremony after being named in the 2026 New Year Honours.

During the ceremony, Princess Anne presented Master Ali with the MBE insignia in recognition of his long-standing contribution to taekwondo and his work within the Harrogate community.

He attended the ceremony with his daughter Gazell and Harrogate KTA student Aaron Leith.

Master Ali said:

“I’m deeply honoured to have received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at Windsor Castle.

“It was a truly special moment to share with my daughter Gazell and my student Aaron, who were there with me.

“We missed my parents dearly as they couldn’t travel to be with us, but we felt their presence with us in spirit.”

Master Ali and his team at Harrogate KTA continue to prepare for several upcoming events.

They are organising the fifth online Kyonggi University Open Poomsae Championships in collaboration with Kyonggi University in South Korea. 

And preparations are also underway for the 10th edition of Harrogate’s Mayor Cup Poomsae Open taekwondo championships at Ashville Sports Centre. 

Master Ali added:

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past few decades and helped make this moment possible. I am truly grateful. God bless you all.”

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