World Taekwondo Federation vice-president Sun Jae Park has died in Rome at the age of 78 ©WTF

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) vice-president Sun Jae Park has died in Rome at the age of 78.

Park, who had served as vice-president of the WTF since 2002, was considered a pioneer in the world of taekwondo and especially in his home country of Italy.

He introduced taekwondo to Italy in 1966 and to Croatia two years later.

Park was also a founding member of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU) in 1976 and was elected vice-president of the ETU at its inaugural General Assembly in 1976.

Since then, he had always been a keen supporter of the ETU and taekwondo in Europe and was made Honorary President of the ETU in 2002.

In February 2004, Park was elected acting President of the WTF, a temporary position he took on following the resignation of Dr Un-young Kim.

WTF President Chungwon Choue describes Sun Jae Park as
WTF President Chungwon Choue describes Sun Jae Park as "one of the great taekwondo pioneers" ©WTF

"The condolences of the WTF go to the family of Dr Park, and to the members of the Italian Taekwondo Federation," said WTF President Chungwon Choue.

"Dr Park was one of the great taekwondo pioneers, and he will be greatly missed."

Park’s funeral is due to be held at a cathedral in Rome.