Virtual taekwondo debuts at Asian Games after growth in Southeast Asia

Virtual taekwondo will make its debut at the Asian Games in Japan this year after expanding as a competitive format across Southeast Asia. Competitors wear VR headsets and motion-tracking sensors on the spine, thighs, and shins to control digital avatars in non-contact matches.

Each timed strike reduces an opponent’s virtual health bar, and all participants compete in the same digital arena regardless of age, weight, or gender.

Equipment and training requirements Athletes still perform front kicks, turning kicks, and spinning techniques, but success depends on speed and anticipation rather than physical force. Training sessions emphasize stamina, muscle endurance, and flexibility before adding strategy and timing.

Coaches at clubs in Malaysia reported that equipment costs remain high and access is limited, yet national programs and certification courses have been established.

Athlete experiences Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Thanh Hien Linh won gold at a recent event in Malaysia after first competing in Singapore in 2024. She said the format requires predicting an opponent’s position and moving before they act. Singapore national athlete Brian Peh, 46, and his son both won gold medals at the 2024 World Championships.

Peh now teaches the sport at his training hall and tells parents that children can use their legs instead of their hands while playing. Cambodian coach Vandy Yiv said a local tournament earlier this year drew more participants for virtual taekwondo than for traditional segments, citing lower injury risk.

Malaysian athlete Raja Mardiah Idris, 45, plans to shift from full-contact sparring to virtual competition and hopes to represent Malaysia at the 2027 Southeast Asian Games. Twelve-year-old Victoria Siow said the challenge involves judging distance she cannot physically see.

The sport was first showcased at Singapore’s Olympic Esports Week in 2023 and held its initial World Championships in Singapore in 2024. It is also scheduled for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.