The Indonesian island of Bali is ready to stage the 8th World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, which are scheduled to open on October 31, 2013 for a four-day run.

The Bali event, the first-ever WTF-promoted world championships in Indonesia, will take place at the Bali International Convention Center at the Westin Nusa Dua Hotel Resort.

A total of 439 poomsae athletes from 49 countries will compete for 25 gold medals. The championships will feature recognized and freestyle poomsae competitions following freestyle poomsae's inclusion in last year's championships in Tunja, Colombia.

Freestyle poomsae is the performance based on taekwondo techniques along with a composition of music and choreography. The duration of the freestyle poomsae contest in the individual, pair, and mixed team competitions is 60 to 70 seconds.

The duration of contest for the recognized poomsae for the individual, pair, and team competitions is 30 to 90 seconds.

One of the most recognizable athletes competing at the championships will be the 58-year-old Singaporean, Sister Linda Sim, who will compete in the women's individual under 59 category.

A total of 50 poomsae international referees will officiate at the championships.

On 29 October there was a referee meeting and referee training session, as well as a head of team meeting and a drawing of lots session.

An extraordinary WTF Council meeting will take place at the Westin Nusa Dua Hotel Resort in the morning of 30 October and will be followed in the evening by a dinner party to celebrate the WTF's 40th anniversary.