The 22nd traditional Taekwondo tournament began in Ashgabat on June 13. It is organized by the National Taekwondo Center of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The competitions are being held at the Martial Arts Center in the Olympic Complex, according to the IIC.
More than 110 athletes from Ashgabat and all five regions (velayats) of the country are taking part in the tournament, which will last until June 14. Medals are contested in individual and team standings across 25 weight categories among children, cadets, and juniors. The program includes kyorugi sparring events.
At the opening ceremony, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-jae, delivered a speech. He emphasized the importance of Taekwondo in fostering discipline and respect, as well as the role of the tournament in strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries.
The tournament has been held since 2010 and aims to improve the sporting skills of participants and strengthen Turkmen-Korean relations.
Winners in the team standings and individual weight categories will be determined following the final matches on June 14.