Taekwondo

About Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasises head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. The name Taekwondo is derived from the Korean words "tae" (foot), "kwon" (fist), and "do" (way of life), signifying the sport's focus on kicking, punching, and discipline.
Taekwondo is not only a form of self defence but also a way of improving physical and mental fitness, discipline, and self-confidence.
Gameplay
Taekwondo is typically practiced in two main forms: sparring (kyorugi) and patterns (poomsae).
1. Sparring (Kyorugi):
  • In sparring, two competitors face each other and aim to score points by landing kicks and punches on their opponent's torso or head.
  • The match is conducted on a mat (often 8x8 meters) and is divided into three rounds, each lasting two minutes with a one-minute break in between.
  • Points are awarded for accurate and powerful strikes. A kick to the torso earns one point, a kick to the head earns three points, and spinning kicks to the head earn four points.
2. Patterns (Poomsae):
  • Poomsae involves performing a series of predetermined movements, which include a variety of stances, strikes, and kicks.
  • These patterns are judged based on accuracy, power, and fluidity.

Rules:
  • Protective Gear: Competitors wear protective gear including a helmet, chest protector, forearm guards, shin guards, and gloves.
  • Scoring: Points are awarded based on the accuracy and power of the strikes. Kicks to the head score higher than those to the torso.
  • Penalties: Penalties can be given for infractions such as stepping out of bounds, falling, or attacking with an illegal technique.
  • Victory: A match can be won by points, knockout, or if one competitor accumulates a significant point lead (12 points or more).
Taekwondo in India
Taekwondo was introduced in India in the early 1970s. The sport has since gained popularity, with numerous training centers and academies established across the country. The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) is the official governing body responsible for promoting and regulating the sport in India.
India's International Achievements in Taekwondo
India has seen growing success in Taekwondo at the international level. Notable achievements include:
  • Aruna Tanwar: India's first Taekwondo athlete to qualify for the Paralympic Games. She represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
  • Latika Bhandari: A prominent Indian Taekwondo athlete who has won multiple international medals, including gold medals in various championships.
  • Suraj Singh: Known for his success in the South Asian Games and other international competitions.
Indian Taekwondo athletes continue to make strides on the global stage, and the sport's popularity is increasing with more participants and better training facilities.

Other Sports