SINGAPORE (Nov 16, 2024) - The first day of the Singapore 2024 World Taekwondo Virtual Championships concluded today with Singapore and Philippines winning the two gold medals on offer.
On the opening day of the inaugural Championships at the Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Arena, athletes competed in the Junior Individual Mixed (13-15 years old) category and the Young Adult Individual Mixed (16-35 years old) category,
In the junior category, home athlete Javis Yap won 2:0 in the final against compatriot Zhi Kai Alexander Khor to claim gold. India’s Tejas Yadav won the bronze.
Meanwhile, in the young adult category Zyka Angelica Santiago of the Philippines prevented a Singapore clean sweep of gold medals as she won 2:0 against Justin Peh in the final. Korea’s Sohyun Eom won bronze.
The medallists win prize money of $3,000 for gold, $2,000 for silver, and $1,000 for bronze.
Over the course of the two-day Championships 120 athletes from 23 countries, AIN, and the Refugee Team will take part. Virtual Taekwondo uses the unique motion-tracking AXIS system developed by Refract Technologies and a virtual reality headset, creating a level playing field for athletes to compete in non-contact sparring.
Ahead of the competition the opening ceremony was held with attendees including IOC Member representing the IOC, Ser Miang NG; World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue; World Taekwondo Secretary General Mr. Jeongkang Seo; World Taekwondo Council Members Mr. Pimol Srivikorn, Mr. Jinbang Yang, and Anatoly Terekhov; and President of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation Cheng Han Tan.
In his opening remarks President Choue said:
“Exactly two years ago, the International Olympic Committee announced the creation of the Olympic Esports Series and Singapore as the host city of the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in 2023. The fact that the IOC decided on Singapore as the first host city symbolizes the immense confidence in your organizational capabilities and attractiveness as a host. I wish to thank the Singapore authorities and the Organizing Committee for your dedication and support. I also know that it is testament of the leadership of Ser Miang, who has always worked hard behind the scenes for the betterment of sport globally, and to fly the Singapore flag high. To all athletes, there is no better moment to be part of history than now. You lay the foundations for a better future. Seize your moments, but always remember that harmony brings glory.”
In his congratulatory speech, Ser Miang NG said:
“The next days will be a time to make history. The first-ever World Taekwondo Virtual Championships will celebrate your sport at its best. By showcasing innovation, diversity and inclusion, you are also putting the spotlight on the values that define the global Taekwondo community. These inaugural Virtual Championships are only the latest demonstration of how World Taekwondo and President Choue Chungwon are taking your sport to ever new heights. You have made Taekwondo into one of the world’s fastest growing sports – and now Taekwondo is promoting sport and its values in the world of virtual sports as well.”
Competition continues tomorrow with the Young Adult Female and Male events and the Adult Mixed categories.
