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Taekwondo got recognised internationally, with the World Taekwondo Federation, later that became World Taekwondo, was founded in 1973. In the same year, Seoul hosted the first World Taekwondo Championships. read more
 "Taekwondo —History, rules and defending champions")
Hedaya Malak Wahba of Egypt in action against Magda Wiet-Henin of France during the women's welterweight last 16 clash at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Reuters
Taekwondo’s origins go way back to 2000 years ago, when it was established during the Three Kingdoms Period of Ancient Korea (c.57 BC to 668 AD). Around this time, the Silla Dynasty warriors started developing a martial-art form that was known taekkyon, which translates to “foot-hand”.
It was then during the 20th century when taekwondo became more popular and dominant in Korea, with more and more people practicing the sport. The sport soon got recognised internationally, with the World Taekwondo Federation, later that became World Taekwondo, was founded in 1973. In the same year, Seoul hosted the first World Taekwondo Championships.
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What is taekwondo’s history at Olympics?
Taekwondo made its first appearance as an Olympic sport at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. However, at that time, the sport was held as a demonstration event. Four years later, the sport returned to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics but was once again a demonstration event. Taekwondo was withdrawn from the Olympic programme in 1996, but made its debut as a full medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Games, where competitions for men and women were held. Ever since, taekwondo has been part of the Olympic Games.
Initially, taekwondo events were dominated by Korean athletes, but that trend has changed. Vietnam won their first taekwondo medal in 2000, Afghanistan won in 2008, Gabon won in 2012 and Jordan and Niger in 2016.
At the 2012 London Olympics, athletes from eight different countries won gold medals.
What are the rules?
The main aim of an athlete in taekwondo is to punch their opponent fighter without suffering any blow to their body. One of the major challenges of taekwondo is to kick and punch in quick time.
Contestants wear a dobok or what is called a white uniform. Each contestant must also have a trunk protector, head protector and for men, they specifically wear a groin guard under the dobok.
There are three rounds of two minutes each and fights take place on an octagonal mat. A player wins points on the basis of difficulty of the techniques. Players get rewarded with higher scores for kicks to head more than kicks to the trunk. Should athletes commit a fault, they are given penalties.
There are various belts to determine the ranking of an athlete. The belts are determined as per 10 grades. White belts are for beginners, then yellow, green, blue red, with the highest grade being the black belt.
Who are the reigning champions?
Men
Flyweight (58 kg): Vito Dell’Aquila (Italy)
Featherweight (68 kg): Ulugbek Rashitov (Uzbekistan)
Middleweight (80 kg): Maksim Khramtsov (Russian Olympic Committee)
Heavyweight (80 kg +): Vladislav Larin (Russian Olympic Committee)
Women
Flyweight (49 kg): Panipak Wongpattanakit (Thailand)
Featherweight (57 kg): Anastasija Zolotic (USA)
Middleweight (67 kg): Matea Jelić (Croatia)
Heavyweight (67 kg +): Milica Mandić (Serbia)
When and where will taekwondo take place at the Paris Olympics?
All of taekwondo’s events at the Paris Olympics will take place at Grand Palais in Paris, with events running from 7 August to 10 August.
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