BEIJING, China — Dr. Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, has responded positively to the World Taekwondo Federation’s revised competition rules.

The IOC president also stressed the importance of fairness and impartiality in the selection and assignment of taekwondo referees.

According to a report by the Chinese Taekwondo Association to the WTF concerning Dr. Rogge’s recent visit to Beijing to receive an honorary doctorate degree from Beijing Sport University, Dr. Rogge asked a Chinese taekwondo athlete about her opinion on the amendments to the taekwondo competition rules.

Ms. Chen Zhong, a double Olympic gold medalist in taekwondo, replied that “the amended WTF competition rules have made taekwondo competitions fairer and more impartial.”

According to the report, Dr. Rogge nodded approvingly and said, “The purpose of amending the competition rules is to allow taekwondo competitions to be impartial and fairer.” “Once the referee selection and referee assignment procedures are also clearly defined and implemented, taekwondo competitions will be even more impartial and fairer.”

Ms. Cheng and Ms. Luo Wei, another Chinese Olympic gold medalist in taekwondo, helped the IOC president put on the gown and headgear during the conferment ceremony on Oct. 22, 2006. The two female athletes are graduates of Beijing Sport University.

Asked whether she would participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Ms. Chen said, “I will participate.” Dr. Rogge wished her well in her quest for Olympic glory.

During the conferment ceremony, Beijing Sport University President Yang Hua presented Dr. Rogge with the honorary doctorate certificate. Dr. Rogge delivered his acceptance speech, followed by a congratulatory speech by Mr. Liu Peng, minister of the General Administration of Sport of China.

Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Yu Zaiqing, IOC Executive Board member and vice minister in charge of the General Administration of Sport of China; and Mr. He Zhenliang, a member of the IOC from China.