Vietnam’s Taekwondo Stars Gear Up for the World’s Inaugural Virtual Championship
The World Virtual Taekwondo Championship blends real-world skills with digital innovation, taking place from November 16 to 17. This competition showcases the evolution of the sport as it moves closer to inclusion in the Olympic esports lineup. What sets this event apart from traditional esports is the replication of live match dynamics. Athletes don VR headsets, body sensors, and handheld controllers, bringing the virtual combat experience to life without physical contact. With these controllers, competitors select their avatars, enter virtual arenas, and engage in striking actions, blocking their opponents’ moves in real time. The match format consists of three one-minute rounds, with victory going to the first competitor who wins two rounds. National champion Le Thi Ngoc Phuong, a force to be reckoned with in the 46kg category, is seen here sparring with teammates during a practice session. Photo : N. Khoi / Tuoi Tre The scoring system is unique, with each successful ...