Korean Protector Scoring Systems (PSS) provider KPNP, announced in June 2023 as the competition system to be used by Taekwondo during this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, reported that it is all set for the Continental Qualifications Tournaments to be held between February and April this year.
Last year, the World Taekwondo (WT) confirmed that KPNP had been chosen as the PSS provider for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, after being tested by Swiss Timing, the company in charge of the timing and scoring system for all disciplines during the Olympic Games.
The PSS plays a key role in Taekwondo competitions, providing accurate and fair scoring, where both judges and spectators will be able to follow the action closely and get real-time results. This guarantees an exciting and transparent experience for all involved.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics intensifies, the global taekwondo community is getting ready for a series of exciting continental qualification tournaments that will grant the spots to the Olympic Games in August. Everything is ready for an exhilarating journey, with each continent event using the cutting-edge KPNP Protector & Scoring System (PSS) that will also be used in the Paris Olympics.
The first event kicks off in Dakar, Senegal, on February 9, with the African continental qualification tournament. The two-day championship, starts with the Paralympic one on the first day, followed by the Olympic spots on the next days.
March will see European athletes gather in Bulgaria for their shot at Olympic glory. Para-athletes will take the lead on March 8, and then the Olympic competition will take place from the 9th to 10th.
Asian taekwondoins will take the stage next, engaging in a two-day Olympic ticket showdown starting March 15. The Asian Paralympic Games final qualification event will follow on the 17th, adding an exciting competition day.
Oceania will host its Olympic qualifying round on April 6 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with the Paralympic qualifying round on the subsequent day.
The Pan American Continent qualification, taking place from April 9 to 11 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will mark the culmination of the Olympic qualification stages. The 9th and 10th will witness the Pan American Trials, and the Paralympic event concluding the event on the 11th.
The electronic Protector Scoring System (PSS) developed by KPNP will be in play during these Olympic qualification stages, offering a seamless continuation to the Olympic Taekwondo competition in Paris. This state-of-the-art technology ensures accuracy and fairness in scoring, enhancing the overall competitiveness.
The journey to the Paris Olympics brings huge significance for athletes striving to secure their spots. The road to qualification has its criteria: among the top five players qualified through the World Taekwondo Olympic rankings, and the winner of Grand Slam in each weight divisions, the remaining spots will be granted in qualification tournaments, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. The weight divisions, ranging from -58kg to +80kg for men and -49kg to +68kg for women, promises thrilling matches and unpredictable outcomes.
These events promise to showcase the resilience, skill, and determination of taekwondo athletes from around the globe. The journey to Paris 2024 has officially begun, and the stage is set for an unforgettable spectacle of athleticism and sportsmanship.
