SEOUL, Korea (Jan 25, 2017) - The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) today announced that the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has approved free-style Poomsae to be included in the taekwondo Poomsae competition at the Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade.

Taekwondo was an optional program since 2003 but the FISU decided in 2009 to accept taekwondo as a compulsory sport from Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade.

Following a request from the WTF, FISU decided to add free-style Poomsae to the existing Poomsae events in Summer Universiade. So as not to extend the competition period or the number of technical officials required for taekwondo competition at the Summer Universiade, free-style Poomsae will be staged as part of the final round of all Poomsae events. Addition of free-style Poomsae is expected to greatly enhance the opportunities for athletes, especially the young ones, and provide a new experience for spectators as well.

WTF President Chungwon Choue said:

“We are delighted that free-style Poomsae has been added at the taekwondo competition at the Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade. The WTF has cooperated with FISU in its continuous work of FISU to promote university sports around the world, not only as a sport and but also a tool of education for the youth. These principles are closely aligned with the WTF’s as we have worked to ensure that taekwondo is more than a sport and that it teaches our practitioners values that will help them in all walks of life. We will continue to do our best for the success of the Summer Universiade.”

Taekwondo competitions will take place between 20 and 26 August in Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade.