Inaugural competition welcomes athletes of all ages

BONN, Germany (April 4, 2016) - The final preparations for the first ever WTF President’s Cup got underway today in Bonn, Germany as excitement builds ahead of the inaugural competition which will provide a platform for the best European male and female athletes of all ages to showcase their talent on the international stage.

The WTF-sanctioned event will be held in the Telekom Dome between April 7 and 10 and attract more than 1,500 athletes. The competition is organized by the European Taekwondo Union and will see athletes compete in different weight categories across three age divisions – 20 weight categories in cadet, 20 weight categories in junior and 16 weight categories in senior. Senior athletes are classified as 17 years and older while junior athletes are those born between 1999 and 2001 and cadet athletes are those born between 2002 and 2004.

The tournament will operate a single elimination system according to WTF rules, with individual matches consisting of three, two minutes rounds with a one minute break between each round. A total of 80 referees will officiate the competition.

WTF President Chungwon Choue said:

“We are very excited about the first ever WTF President’s Cup this week. Having cadet, junior and senior athletes all competing on the same day will be a completely unique experience for athletes and spectators. The younger athletes will have a chance to showcase their talent and also to watch their heroes who they aspire to be like.

“Taekwondo is a sport for all which can be practiced by people of all ages, genders and backgrounds and the World Taekwondo President’s Cup truly demonstrates this. The competition is a celebration of taekwondo’s power to unite people and promote fair play, respect and friendship. I have no doubt that it will be the first of many excellent WTF President’s Cups held in the years ahead.”