KOREAN NET

The Korean Embassy in Iran on July 8 announced the opening of the eighth Korea-Iran Friendly Embassy Trophy Taekwondo Tournament. Shown at the event's opening ceremony are competitors, officials and Ambassador to Iran Kim Junpyo (fourth from left in back row) taking a group photo. (Korean Embassy in Iran)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

The Iranian capital of Tehran is hosting its first taekwondo competition in five years.

The Korean Embassy in Tehran on July 8 said it opened the eighth Korea-Iran Friendly Embassy Trophy Taekwondo Tournament at the competition hall of the Islamic Republic of Iran Taekwondo Federation.

Last held in 2019, the event is considered an important opportunity for expanding bilateral exchange and cooperation in sports.

Running for 11 days from July 8-22, the contest will have some 2,000 competitors in 20 events based on gender and weight.

The gold medal winner of each weight will be selected for Iran's junior national team (ages 14-16) as the future of the country's taekwondo.

Ambassador to Iran Kim Junpyo said in his opening speech, "We hope that Korea and Iran, which share the spirit and values of taekwondo, expand sports exchange and cooperation."

dusrud21@korea.kr