Schedule Of Taekwondo Events

The word 'Taekwondo' means 'the way of foot and fist' - this is how this sport is performed. Dynamic kicks and punches build up lots of anxiety, drama, and entertainment for the spectators. At London Olympics 2012, taekwondo competitions will be performed at ExCeL, a multi-purpose events venue. Taekwondo contests will begin on Wednesday 8 August and continue till Saturday 11 August 2012. 128 athletes (64 men, 64 women) will complete for 8 medals. Taekwondo debuted as a demonstration sport at the Seoul 1988 Olympics, but was officially added to the Olympic programme only in Sydney 2000 Games. In Beijing Olympics 2008, Taekwondo player Rohullan Nikpai, who won bronze in the men's 58kg competition, got Afghanistan its first ever Olympic medal! Taekwondo competitions are held inside an 8m x 8m zone called a court, with each competition consists of three two-minute rounds. Taekwondo players wear a standard white uniform, known as a 'dobok', and coloured protective equipments over the uniform. The competitor who wears blue is known as 'chung', while the competitor wearing red is 'hong'.

Taekwondo Events At London Olympics 2012

The Game/Method Of Scoring
The game aims at landing precise kicks and punches on the scoring area of the opponent. A kick or punch to the competitor's torso scores one point and an additional point if the attacker has his back to his opponent at the point of contact (also known as spinning kicks). Punches to the head are forbidden, but kicks on the head score three points. Kicks and punches must be of substantial force to be considered. If the scores are same after three rounds, a fourth "sudden death" round is held to determine the winner. A taekwondo player can score even more points by applying counter-attacking kicks or punches for which good cognitive ability is required.

The eight Taekwondo events at the London 2012 Games will be played in a knockout format. The winners of each contest will qualify for the next round, with the two finalists competing for the gold! All competitors who lose to one of the finalists will enter the 'repechage', which will eventually determine the winners of the bronze medals.