Vietnam’s Taekwondo Stars Gear Up for the World’s Inaugural Virtual Championship

The World Virtual Taekwondo Championship blends real-world skills with digital innovation, taking place from November 16 to 17. This competition showcases the evolution of the sport as it moves closer to inclusion in the Olympic esports lineup.

What sets this event apart from traditional esports is the replication of live match dynamics. Athletes don VR headsets, body sensors, and handheld controllers, bringing the virtual combat experience to life without physical contact.

With these controllers, competitors select their avatars, enter virtual arenas, and engage in striking actions, blocking their opponents’ moves in real time. The match format consists of three one-minute rounds, with victory going to the first competitor who wins two rounds.

National champion Le Thi Ngoc Phuong, a force to be reckoned with in the 46kg category, is seen here sparring with teammates during a practice session. Photo: N. Khoi / Tuoi Tre

The scoring system is unique, with each successful strike reducing the opponent’s ‘health points.’ The first competitor to deplete their opponent’s health points emerges as the winner. Stepping outside the virtual ring incurs a penalty.

If the match reaches its time limit and both competitors still have health remaining, the athlete with fewer health points is declared the loser. This setup demands a combination of strategic thinking and physical endurance from the players.

VR combat differs from standard matches in that it requires continuous motion, unlike the measured and halted kicks of traditional taekwondo. Vietnam’s four representatives – Nguyen Quang Phuc, Nong Thach Khiem, Nguyen Thanh Hien Linh, and Le Thi Ngoc Phuong – have undergone intensive VR technology training and conditioning in preparation for this championship.

Le Thi Ngoc Phuong, the national champion in the 46kg category, highlights the exhausting nature of VR combat due to the nonstop kicking action. Adapting to the VR format has been a challenge, especially for poomsae specialists like Quang Phuc, Thach Khiem, and Hien Linh. However, they eagerly anticipate their first virtual sparring competition.

Despite the learning curve, Hien Linh expresses the team’s excitement and determination to represent Vietnam proudly on this global stage, showcasing the strength of Vietnamese taekwondo.

The Vietnam Taekwondo Federation (VTF) shares that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has been a strong advocate for the concept of virtual taekwondo, recognizing its potential to propel the sport forward.

Witness the intensity! Two athletes engage in virtual combat, with their match displayed on a large screen for the audience to follow. Photo: Supplied

VTF vice-president Nguyen Thanh Huy emphasizes the significance of this VR championship, noting that the WTF has given it prominent attention on their agenda. “The WTF usually provides only a brief summary for each event,” Huy remarked, “but this time, they’ve devoted an entire page.”

He elaborates on the unique experience this event offers, blending a game-like atmosphere with the intensity of genuine competition. The championship features five competitive categories, ensuring a diverse range of participants:

• Junior Mixed (13-15 years old)
• Young Adult – Mixed (16-35 years old)
• Young Adult – Individual Male (16-35 years old)
• Young Adult – Individual Female (16-35 years old)
• Adult Mixed (above 35 years old)

Each category promises intense competition, with 36 registered athletes vying for medals. The VTF, recognizing the potential of virtual taekwondo, has invested significantly in training and equipment to position Vietnam for international success in esports and Olympic events.

Following a technology transfer proposal from Singapore in late 2023, the VTF has allocated over VND500 million (US$20,000) to purchase necessary equipment. This investment was made possible through private sources, Kwon Vietnam – a sports equipment provider, and the Ho Chi Minh City Taekwondo Federation, who contributed VND150 million ($5,900) for essential items such as TVs, routers, and computers.

While achievements in the virtual championship are not yet officially recognized by the Sports General Department or local authorities, Vietnamese athletes are optimistic that success in this arena will pave the way for future Olympic glory as virtual taekwondo gains traction as an Olympic discipline.

WTF president Choue Chungwon envisions the VR championship as a new frontier for taekwondo, expressing confidence in its inclusion in the Olympic esports program. He associates the sport’s dedication to innovation, diversity, and inclusivity.

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