Virtual Taekwondo Explained: The VR combat sport making its Asian Games debut

Virtual Taekwondo, a digital version of the traditional combat sport, is set to be included at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The discipline first gained international attention at the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Olympic Esports Series held in Singapore in June 2023, where it made its global debut.

What is Virtual Taekwondo?

Virtual Taekwondo is an immersive, non-contact combat sport played using virtual reality (VR) technology.

Athletes wear VR headsets and motion-tracking devices that capture their movements and translate them into a digital arena.

Unlike traditional taekwondo, competitors do not physically strike each other. Instead, players face a virtual opponent and score points through precise and powerful kicks.

The objective is to land accurate strikes to the head and body while building the highest score on the power gauge before the match ends. In one-on-one contests, athletes use their entire body as a controller.

How will it be played at the Asian Games?

At the Asian Games, Virtual Taekwondo will feature a mixed-gender individual competition.

The event will be contested through a 16-player knockout format, with athletes competing regardless of gender in a single bracket.

The digitised version of taekwondo involves athletes wearing virtual reality headgear and motion-tracking devices, with the aim of scoring the highest level on their power gauge by the end of the contest.

Virtual Taekwondo is officially recognised by the World Taekwondo as an active esport and digital discipline.

The first World Taekwondo Virtual Championships were held in Singapore, attracting athletes from 23 countries.

The Virtual Taekwondo Series 2026 event in Thailand featured competitors from nine nations, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. In Europe, competitions such as the Virtual Taekwondo Rome Open have also been organised.

India's participation in Virtual Taekwondo

India has hosted and participated in several Virtual Taekwondo events over the years. These include the Mahakal Virtual Taekwondo Cup, the India Taekwondo Open Virtual National Championship, and various state and inter-club competitions organised across the country.

Several Indian athletes have also represented the country internationally, including Tejas Yadav, Pradipta Kumar Roy, Ruma Roy Chowdhury, Dhanashree Pawar, Akansha Borkar, Vyom Sonavane, Swayam Subhajeet, and Geetika.

Tejas Yadav won a bronze medal at the World Taekwondo Virtual Championships in Singapore, while Swayam Subhajeet won silver at the 1st Virtual Open Taekwondo Championship in Pune.