Vietnam’s Taekwondo team has left for Singapore to participate in the inaugural World Virtual Taekwondo Championship, a groundbreaking event integrating the martial art with esports-style competition for the first time.

The competition will be held from November 16 to 17, offering athletes a blend of real-world skills and digital innovation as the sport moves closer to being included in the Olympic esports’ lineup.

Unlike typical esports, which rely on players' reflexes and strategy at a computer, virtual taekwondo replicates the dynamics of a live match.

Competitors perform on a traditional mat while being equipped with VR headsets, body sensors, and handheld controllers that allow for virtual combat without physical contact. 

Through these controllers, athletes select avatars, enter virtual arenas, and execute strikes, blocking opponents’ punches and kicks in real time.

Each match consists of three one-minute rounds, with victory determined by winning two rounds.

Points are not tallied traditionally, but each successful strike reduces the opponent’s 'health points,' with the first to deplete their health being the loser.

Athletes are penalized if they step outside the ring.

If time runs out and both still have health, the player with less health points loses.

This virtual setup demands both strategy and physical endurance. 

Unlike standard matches where kicks are measured and halt on impact, VR combat demands continuous motion.

Vietnam’s four competitors -- Nguyen Quang Phuc, Nong Thach Khiem, Nguyen Thanh Hien Linh, and Le Thi Ngoc Phuong -- have spent the past month intensively training with VR technology and building their conditioning for the competition.

National champion Le Thi Ngoc Phuong, competing in the 46kg category, said that the nonstop kicking required in VR combat makes it more exhausting than conventional matches.

Adapting to the VR format has been challenging, particularly for poomsae (performance) specialists like Quang Phuc, Thach Khiem, and Hien Linh, yet they are enthusiastic about competing in virtual sparring for the first time.

Despite the learning curve, Hien Linh said that the team is excited to represent Vietnam on this global stage and make a strong showing for Vietnamese taekwondo.

The Vietnam Taekwondo Federation (VTF) revealed that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has actively promoted the virtual taekwondo concept, seeing it as a step forward for the sport.

VTF vice-president Nguyen Thanh Huy noted that the WTF has highlighted this VR championship prominently on its agenda, indicating its significance. 

“The WTF usually provides only a brief summary for each event," Huy noted, "but this time, they’ve devoted an entire page.”

He explained that this event will offer athletes a unique experience, resembling a game atmosphere while still involving genuine competition.

The 2024 World Virtual Taekwondo Championship features five competitive categories: 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), and Adult Mixed (above 35 years old).

Each category is highly competitive, with 36 registered athletes per category, demanding multiple rounds for a chance at a medal.

Recognizing the potential of virtual taekwondo early on, the VTF invested in training and equipment to position Vietnam for international success in esports and Olympic events.

After a technology transfer proposal from Singapore in late 2023, the VTF has invested over VND500 million (US$20,000) in purchasing necessary equipment. 

Some VND400 million ($15,700) was secured through private sources and Kwon Vietnam, a sports equipment provider, while the Ho Chi Minh City Taekwondo Federation contributed VND150 million ($5,900) for essential equipment like TVs, routers, and computers.

While achievements in the virtual championship are not yet officially recognized for awards by the Sports General Department or local authorities, Vietnamese athletes are hopeful that success here will pave the way for future medals as virtual taekwondo gains ground as an Olympic sport.

WTF president Choue Chungwon viewed the VR championship as a new direction for taekwondo, expressing optimism that virtual taekwondo will become part of the Olympic esports program and associating the sport's dedication with innovation, diversity, and inclusivity.

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