HONG KONG, China (Nov 30, 2024) - The World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong, China began in spectacular fashion today, with seven gold medals awarded and an inspiring Opening Ceremony held.

 

This is a record-breaking World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships with the most athletes and most participating countries in the event’s history, and it began with outstanding performances from the start of competition at the atmospheric Hong Kong Coliseum.

 

Yu Hsuan Lin of Chinese Taipei and Jihye Park of Korea won the first gold medals of the Championships, triumphing in the Recognised Poomsae Female Junior and Female Cadet categories respectively.

 

There was further joy for Korea in the Recognised Poomsae Pair Male Team Junior event, although despite their double success, it was the United States of America who finished top of the medal table on day one as they won three golds.

 

Elva Adams was the winner in the Female Under 60 category, and that was followed by victories for the USA in the Male Team Over 60 and Pair Under 60 events.

The first day of competition concluded with a captivating Freestyle Poomsae Mixed Team Over 17 Final, in which Vietnam narrowly beat Mexico to the gold medal.

 

It was a successful first day of the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, underlining the sport’s inclusivity and showcasing the best athletes from around the world.

 

Competition was followed by the Opening Ceremony, featuring a parade of the participating Member National Associations (MNAs). The Opening Ceremony was attended by World Taekwondo Vice-President Kyu Seok Lee, Secretary General Jeongkang Seo, and Council members Mohamed Shaaban. It was also attended by the Hong Kong, China Taekwondo Association President Louis Ching, Kukkiwon President Dong Sup Lee and Asian Taekwondo Union Secretary General Jung Heon Kim.

 

There are 1,727 athletes representing 77 MNAs, plus Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), who are competing at the Hong Kong 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships through to 4 December.