Beijing Olympics 2008 Taekwondo Events

History of Taekwondo:

• Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art.
• It involves a combination of hand and kick movements.
• Taekwondo became the dominant form of martial art in 1955.
• In 1973, the Korean government recognized the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) as the legitimate governing body of the sport.
• The first Taekwondo World Championships were held in 1973.
• Taekwondo was included as a demonstration sport in the Olympics in 1988 and 1992.
• It was officially included as a medal sport in 1994.

Rules for Taekwondo:

• Taekwondo competition takes place at an individual level.
• The duration of the contest shall be three rounds of two minutes each.
• A one minute rest period will be allowed between rounds.
• Weigh-in for contestants will be held one day prior to the competition.

Permitted Techniques and Areas for Taekwondo Event:

Permitted Techniques

• Fist techniques
• Foot techniques

Permitted Areas

Competitors can target the following areas of their opponents:

• Trunk
• Face

Legal Scoring Areas

• Mid-section of the trunk
• Face

Scoring for Taekwondo Event:

• Points shall be awarded when permitted techniques are delivered accurately and powerfully to the legal scoring areas of the body.
• One point is awarded for an attack on the trunk.
• Two points are awarded for an attack on the face.
• One additional point is awarded for knocking down the opponent.
• Match score shall be the sum of points of the three rounds.
• If a player attacks the opponent using prohibited techniques, the points scored will be annulled.
• The Competition Area shall measure 10m x 10m using the metric system.
• The Competition Area should be covered with an elastic mat.

Equipment for Taekwondo:

• Belt
• Trunk protector
• Dobok
• Forearm and shin guards
• Head protector
• Groin guard

Beijing Olympics 2008 Taekwondo Event:

The following events and included in the program for Beijing Olympics 2008:

• + 80 kg Men
• - 58 kg Men
• 58 - 68 kg Men
• 68 - 80 kg Men
• + 67 kg Women
• 49 kg Women
• 49 - 57 kg Women
• 57 - 67 kg Women

Beijing Olympics 2008 Taekwondo Venue:

The taekwondo event of the 29th Olympic Games will be held at University of Science and Technology Beijing Gymnasium from August 20-23, 2008.

Athlete Quota:

• Men- 62
• Women- 62
• Tripartite Invitation places- 4
• Total- 128