What Is 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Prix

Overview

The 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Prix was a premier international competition series featuring the world's top taekwondo athletes. Organized by World Taekwondo, it served as a critical platform for athletes to earn Olympic ranking points ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Comprising three high-stakes events across three continents, the series attracted elite competitors who had qualified based on their global rankings. The events combined intense sparring action with significant financial incentives and qualification advantages.

• Event Structure: The series included three standalone tournaments: Moscow (July 12–14), Chiba, Japan (September 13–15), and Sofia, Bulgaria (December 13–15).
• Eligibility: Only the top 32 ranked athletes per weight category, as determined by the World Taekwondo Olympic rankings, were invited to compete.
• Scoring System: Athletes earned points based on placement, with the winner receiving 20 Olympic qualification points, crucial for Tokyo 2020 qualification.
• Prize Money: Each Grand Prix event offered a total of $120,000 in prize money, with $50,000 awarded to gold medalists across eight weight divisions.
• Global Reach: The series spanned Europe, Asia, and Eastern Europe, enhancing global visibility and participation from over 300 athletes representing 50+ nations.

How It Works

The Grand Prix operates as a selective, invitation-only circuit designed to spotlight elite taekwondo talent while influencing Olympic qualification. Each event follows a knockout format with repechage, ensuring maximum competitive opportunities.

• Invitation-Based Entry: Only athletes ranked in the top 32 per weight class qualify, ensuring a consistently high level of competition across all events.
• Weight Categories: Eight divisions are contested—four for men and four for women—ranging from -58kg to +80kg for men and -49kg to +67kg for women.
• Tournament Format: Competitors are seeded and compete in single-elimination brackets, with bronze medals awarded through a repechage system.
• Scoring Rules: Matches use electronic scoring systems (PSS), with points awarded for valid kicks and punches to protected areas, emphasizing speed and precision.
• Points Allocation: Winners earn 20 points, runners-up receive 14, third place gets 9, and fourth place earns 6—directly impacting Olympic rankings.
• Prize Distribution: Each gold medalist receives $50,000, the highest prize in non-Olympic taekwondo events, funded by World Taekwondo and host nations.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the three 2019 Grand Prix events by location, date, participation, and key outcomes:

The Sofia Grand Prix Final was particularly significant as it offered double ranking points in some categories and attracted the most media coverage. All events used identical rules and scoring systems, ensuring consistency and fairness across the series.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Grand Prix series played a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape leading into the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It not only elevated athlete profiles but also strengthened taekwondo’s global appeal.

• Olympic Qualification: The points earned directly influenced national team selections, making each match strategically vital for athletes aiming for Tokyo 2020.
• Financial Incentive: With $50,000 gold prizes, the Grand Prix offered the most lucrative non-Olympic rewards in taekwondo, boosting athlete motivation.
• Global Exposure: Broadcast in over 100 countries, the events increased visibility for taekwondo, especially in non-traditional markets.
• Competitive Development: The high-level competition pushed athletes to refine techniques, contributing to the sport’s evolution in speed and strategy.
• Gender Parity: Equal weight classes and prize money for men and women underscored World Taekwondo’s commitment to gender equality.
• Legacy Building: Hosting cities like Sofia gained international recognition, encouraging future bids for major taekwondo events.

By combining elite sport, strategic ranking implications, and global outreach, the 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Prix reinforced taekwondo’s status as a dynamic, modern Olympic discipline.