LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Taekwondo’s governing body says fighters who practice the martial art’s traditional style — including those in North Korea — will now be eligible to compete in all competitions, including the Olympics.
Taekwondo split into two factions decades ago, with one forming the International Taekwondo Federation in 1966 and another creating the World Taekwondo Federation in 1973. The WTF runs the sport in the Olympics and until now, taekwondo athletes were only allowed to fight in their own federation’s tournaments.
ITF-style taekwondo is taught widely across North Korea and uses more punches, while Olympic-style taekwondo features flashier high kicks.
WTF President Chungwon Choue said in a statement Thursday that officials wanted to ensure all taekwondo athletes have the opportunity to compete at the Olympics.
