Summer Games: Taekwondo in Relation to Sports
Sports have always been an integral part of human life. It has been played for millennia, with different countries and cultures manifesting their unique sports events and activities. With thousands of sport disciplines all over the world, each stands out on its own while providing a fascinating concept of development, dedication, teamwork, exercise, and sportmanship. Every four years, millions of people worldwide come together to witness one of the biggest sporting events globally, the Summer Games.
The Summer games is a global multi-sport event traditionally held every four years. The games involve athletes from various nations competing for medals in several Olympic disciplines. The games go beyond competition; it fosters unity, promotes peace and builds relationships between participating nations. One of the distinguished sports disciplines at the Summer Olympics is "Taekwondo."
Taekwondo is a martial art originating from Korea, emphasizing speed, power, and agility. Taekwondo as a primitive sport discipline is practiced worldwide today. It is a blend of traditional techniques, contemporary training methods, and Olympic-level competition that is known for its rigorous physical requirements and ability to develop individual strength and character. Participants in this sport hone their kicking, punching, blocking, and open-handed striking skills over years of intense training. Taekwondo requires constant practice and needs the student to be diligent, focused, disciplined, and humble.
At the Summer Games, taekwondo features two categories- sparring and poomsae (patterned movements). In sparring, competitors fight using techniques they have learned throughout their years of practice. This category involves athletes wearing protective gear and using kicks and punches to score points or KO their opponent. Scoring depends on various factors like location of hits, clean-hitting, precision, and other regulations. Poosmae, on the other hand, is a solo demonstration of skills. Competitors perform a series of movements that demonstrate Taekwondo's essential techniques in specific order and accuracy within a set time frame. Both categories require skill, dedication, endless hours of training and preparation to succeed.
Taekwondo has been part of the Summer Olympics since Sydney 2000 and is one of the most popular sports in the games with millions of supporters worldwide. The sport provides thrilling action, high emotional adrenaline, and unforgettable Olympic moments to many viewers world over. Success in Taekwondo requires more than just physical prowess; it stimulates mental fortitude, perseverance and teaches the importance of hard work and dedication. An Olympic medal in Taekwondo means more than just a reward for excellent performance; it stands as great life achievement and a significant milestone in an athlete's career.
Conclusion
The Summer Games remain one of the ultimate sporting events worldwide, bringing together athletes from every country to compete in a wide range of disciplines. Each sport discipline represents its culture, history, and uniqueness. Taekwondo, as an Olympic sport, emphasizes physical and emotional strength, discipline, and hard work. It showcases the beauty of martial arts while promoting universal values like respect, fair play, and excellence. Winning a medal in taekwondo at the Summer Games means achieving an ultimate goal, which requires years of hard work and dedication. As we look forward to Tokyo 2021, fans of taekwondo across the world anticipate unforgettable sporting moments as they cheer on their countries and participate in the spirit of the summer games.