The Countdown Begins: European Taekwondo Grand Prix Final 2024!
From December 13th to 15th, Bucharest, Romania, will host the inaugural European Taekwondo Grand Prix Final, a groundbreaking event featuring 552 athletes from 43 countries, including the Refugee Team Athletes (RTA) and the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN). This prestigious tournament marks a new era in European Taekwondo, paving the way for future Olympic champions.
A Historic Milestone for Taekwondo
For the first time in history, the European Taekwondo Union (ETU) will organize a Grand Prix Final event aimed at juniors and cadets. This innovative competition introduces cash prizes for junior medalists and valuable awards for cadets, setting the stage for these athletes’ senior careers. The event also serves as a pilot for the 2025 European Taekwondo Grand Prix series.
Event Highlights
- Dates & Venue: The Grand Prix Final will take place at the renowned Sala Polivalentă in Bucharest, a city known for its rich history and warm hospitality.
- Divisions & Competitions:
- 13 DECEMBER
- CADETS Female: -29kg, -33kg, -37kg, -41kg, -44kg, -47kg, -51kg
- CADETS Male: -33kg, -37kg, -41kg, -45kg, -49kg, -53kg
- 14 DECEMBER
- CADETS Female: -55kg, -59kg, +59kg
- CADETS Male: -57kg, -61kg, -65kg, +65kg
- JUNIORS Female: -42kg, -44kg, -46kg, -49kg
- JUNIORS Male: -45kg, -48kg, -51kg,
- 15 DECEMBER
- JUNIORS Female: -52kg, -55kg, -59kg, -63kg, -68kg, +68kg
- JUNIORS Male: -55kg, -59kg, -63kg, -68kg, -73kg, -78kg, +78kg
- 13 DECEMBER
- Unique Prizes:
- Gold medalists in the junior division receive €1,000.
- Cadet winners earn free entries to future ETU events, fostering long-term athlete development.
Technical Information: Random Weigh-In and Bracket Publication
Random Weigh-In: Schedule and Details
To ensure compliance with weight requirements, a Random Weigh-In will be conducted each competition day. Here are the details:
- Time: Daily at 08:00.
- Location: Event venue (Sala Polivalentă).
- Athlete Announcement: The names of athletes selected for the random weigh-in will be published daily at 06:30 on the official platform:
https://europetaekwondo.org/documents/ and https://t.me/taekwondoeurope
Draw Sheets and Bracket Publication
The competition brackets and draw sheets will be made available one day before the start of each competition.
- Time: Published at 19:00 the day prior.
- Official Platform: https://europetaekwondo.org/documents/
Words from the Leaders
ETU President Sakis Pragalos emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for future champions, stating, “This new cycle of events will prepare young athletes for the challenges of their senior careers, ultimately producing Olympic champions.”
Constantin Apostol, President of the Romania Taekwondo Federation, expressed pride in hosting the event: “Our committee is ready to welcome the best cadet and junior athletes. This innovative format will redefine success pathways in European Taekwondo.”
A Collaborative Effort
The success of this event is backed by a strong network of sponsors and partners, alongside the tireless efforts of the Romanian Taekwondo Federation. Together, they aim to provide an unforgettable experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned as Bucharest transforms into the epicenter of European Taekwondo. With athletes from diverse backgrounds converging to compete, the Grand Prix Final promises thrilling matches and a glimpse into the future of this dynamic sport.
For more details, follow ETU’s social media platforms using the hashtags #ETU #EuropeanTaekwondoUnion #GrandPrixFinal.
This is not just a competition; it’s the beginning of a legacy. Don’t miss it!
