The decision to receive the four competitors from regions between Odessa and Kharkiv in Ukraine was made in partnership with the Italian Taekwondo Federation (FITA).

World Taekwondo said FITA supported the Ukrainians in reaching Italy from their home country, which has been devastated by the war Russia launched on February 24.

The athletes were welcomed to the centre by Olympic champion Vito Dell'Aquila, team members Simone Alessio, Roberto Botta and Maristella Smiraglia, and technical directors Claudio Nolano and Carlo Molfetta.

The Ukrainians will begin taekwondo training alongside the Italians once they have adjusted to life in the country.

FITA President Angelo Cito also repeated that the FITA is determined to use sport for solidarity, keeping in line with the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation’s objectives.

World Taekwondo banned Russian and Belarusian taekwondo athletes from participating in international competitions last month.

It has also worked with the Royal Spanish Taekwondo Federation to host a tournament on April 30 which will raise money for Ukrainian refugees.

The competition will be held under a saying championed by World Taekwondo and its President Chungwon Choue, "peace is more precious than triumph".

The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner for Refugees has reported that over 10.5 million people have been displaced either in Ukraine or abroad.

According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, at least 1,189 civilians have been killed and at least 1,901 have been injured as of March 30.