Charlotte soldier, taekwondo champion to compete in 2027 Military World Games

Taekwondo champion Khalfani Harris is a Charlotte-based army specialist and combat engineer who will represent the US in the 8th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military World Summer Games 2027, which will take place in Charlotte.

“Representing the United States at the Military World Games is a huge honor,” Harris told the Carolina Journal. “Any time you get the chance to wear USA across your chest, it means something, but being part of the first Games ever hosted in the United States makes it even more special. For me, it’s bigger than taekwondo. I’m representing my country, the Army, my family, my coaches, and everyone who’s helped me get to this point. Every early morning workout, every hard session, every setback and comeback is part of the journey that led here.”

Harris is training through the US Army World Class Athlete Program. He is a Youth Olympic Team Member and a 2019 national champion, and won the gold during the men’s -68kg division at the 2023 Pan American Games.

“As an athlete, you’re always chasing the next level, trying to become better than you were yesterday. In a way, every competition feels like another chapter in your training arc,” continued Harris. “The Military World Games bring together the best military athletes in the world, and I’m proud to represent Team USA on that stage.”

Charlotte will become the first US city to host the Military World Games, which will take place in 2027 from June 24 to July 4.

“I think it’s really special because Charlotte has become home for me,” said Harris. “I train at the US Performance Center, and I’ve seen firsthand how much support there is for athletes in this community. It’s exciting knowing the world is coming here. A lot of people may not know much about the Military World Games, but it’s one of the biggest international sporting events in the world. Having it in Charlotte gives people a chance to experience something unique and see elite athletes from all over the globe compete.”

CISM said they chose Charlotte thanks to its exceptional sports infrastructure, proven track record in organizing international sporting events, and its strategic role as a premier destination for sports tourism. They said the city features world-class venues, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, the US National Whitewater Center, and various other cutting-edge sports facilities. These locations will accommodate a wide range of competitions, spanning traditional Olympic sports like athletics, swimming, and basketball, as well as military-specific events, such as the military pentathlon, parachuting, naval pentathlon, lifesaving, and shooting.

“What I love most is that the games represent more than medals,” said Harris. “They represent discipline, resilience, respect, and bringing people together through sport. That’s something I think everyone can connect with.”

Almost 10,000 military athletes from 100 CISM member nations will compete at the highest level across 25 different sports in the 2027 summer games, according to the organizers. The games serve as a unique platform showcasing the exceptional skills, discipline, and teamwork of military personnel from across the globe while fostering unity and friendship through sports.

“Training at this level is a full-time commitment,” said Harris. “Most days revolve around training, recovery, eating, sleeping, and getting ready to do it all again the next day. My schedule can include technical taekwondo sessions, sparring, strength training, conditioning, mobility work, and recovery. Some days are harder than others, but consistency is what matters most.”

“Everyone wants the highlight reel, but not everyone wants the training arc. That’s where real growth happens,” Harris said. “For me, these Games are an opportunity to keep learning, growing, and pushing toward the next level.”

Harris also spoke about his experience winning the gold medal in the men’s 68kg division at the 2023 Pan American Games.

“Winning gold at the Pan American Games was one of the proudest moments of my career,” said Harris. “It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to achieve something you’ve been working toward for so many years… Along the way, there were countless early mornings, tough training sessions, sacrifices, setbacks, and people who believed in me when things weren’t easy. Standing on top of that podium wasn’t just about winning a medal; it was the culmination of years of dedication and growth. It felt like one of those moments where all the chapters of the journey finally came together.”

He also reflected on the significance of winning the gold as a military athlete.

“As a soldier-athlete, it was even more meaningful because I had the opportunity to represent both the United States and the Army on that stage,” said Harris. “It’s a moment I’ll always carry with me, and more than anything, it reminded me that every goal achieved is just the beginning of the next challenge. Every victory is another step forward in the journey.”

He concluded by stating that he hopes the games bring people together and inspire them to pursue their passions.

“I hope people watching see that the Military World Games are about more than winning medals,” concluded Harris. “They’re about bringing people together through sport, building mutual respect, and representing something bigger than yourself. Personally, I hope people are inspired to chase whatever they’re passionate about. One thing taekwondo has taught me is that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through consistency, patience, and showing up even when motivation isn’t there.”

“Charlotte soldier, taekwondo champion to compete in 2027 Military World Games” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.