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The World Taekwondo Federation is to introduce a whole different level of game: WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series.
The game is to take place four times a year in different parts of the world (Europe, Asia, Pan-am etc.) and those who win each competition get to rematch in the final.
Only the top ranking fighters are allowed to enter the competition and the weight division will be the same as the Olympics. Each country can dispatch four players maximum per weight category and the winner will be awarded with high ranking points or Olympic entry ticket.
The WTF officially submitted this agenda to the organizing committee’s meeting held in Santa Cruz, Aruba, on November 21. 2012.
A staff from the WTF said “Having to go though more international level of competitions, we understand there will be some pressure mounting on the players and each MNA‘s end and some schedule issues but this is an excellent opportunity for Taekwondo to be exposed to the media and to create new rookies and stars. We are determined to make this a world class event. Besides, the perks of participating in this competition, the massive ranking points, will be very appealing.”
WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series is to be launched in 2014.
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Interesting idea, I wonder how players will be offered entry? Certainly those competing in this will be able to win more ranking points, which helps them again meet the entry criteria and so on. There will be more pressure on players entering ever more events if these touraments offer additional routes for Olympic selection.
It would be interesting to hear what the WTF collectively have in mind as their ideal for the future of taekwondo competition? The WTF have vocalised little strategic vision beyond “keep taekwondo in Olympic games” and much more could be done, perhaps this grand prix event will be a good step in the right direction? We’ll see.
I don’t agree this puts extra pressure on MNA’s though. Regardless, I expect in time MNA’s will become increasingly irrelevant as Taekwondo competition becomes more like the professional tennis circuit – player centric not national team centric, much more player representation, with it’s own tournaments of various ranking level, with it’s own grand slams in addition to fewer ‘national team’ (davis cup like) events, and the Olympic Games of course – all of which would be a positive progression for the sport.