New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS): India Taekwondo will be holding a first-ever online National Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2020 from September 28 to October 4. Poomsae is a patterned series of offensive and defensive techniques which are vital to perfecting the techniques of the athletes.
"The tournament will prove to be a boost for athletes that have been waiting for the longest time to compete," said India Taekwondo President Namdev Shirgaonkar. "There has been an absolute standstill in the world of sport and I'm proud that India Taekwondo is executing a tournament of this scale and encouraging athletes to compete at the national level.
"Poomsae has always been eyed as one of the medal hopefuls at any event and we are confident that this will offer them a launchpad for the upcoming Asian Games. I wish all the participants the best of luck and look forward to exceptional performances."
Competitors will be divided into colour belt division and black belt division. The colour belt division consists of three categories and the black belt division, which are medal events, are segregated into eight categories.
Each category has guidelines that will have participants perform compulsory Poomsae and winners will be decided by highly trained referees appointed by the referee commission.
Athletes will be virtually performing within complete safety guidelines as directed by their respective states. They will in no way come in contact with any of the other participants or organisers, said the federation in its release. Each athlete will have to submit a video performing their Poomsae which they have to record and submit before the given deadline whilst adhering to the rules and regulations of the tournament.
"Owing to these unprecedented times and the nature of the first of its kind virtual tournament, India Taekwondo will conduct a webinar for the participants and their coaches to explain the rules and regulations. This will give everyone further clarity on the special guidelines that are exclusive to this online tournament," said the federation.