PORTUGAL PREPARES FOR ITS MOST ANTICIPATED CHAMPIONSHIP: THE COUNTRY’S FIRST RANKING KYORUGI OPEN BEGINS THIS WEEKEND — LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE
The Portugal Open G1 2026 will mark a historic moment for Portuguese taekwondo, with competitors taking part across the cadet, junior and senior divisions. The competition will be held on 25 and 26 July in Vila Nova de Gaia, a city set to become the centre of international taekwondo as it welcomes more than 1,000 participants to an event that has generated considerable anticipation both within Europe and beyond.
Promoted by the Portuguese Taekwondo Federation and included in the official World Taekwondo calendar, the tournament represents a major step forward in the development of Portuguese taekwondo and confirms Portugal’s ambition to establish itself as a host nation for major international events.
The tournament will be attended by Slavi Binev, Vice-President of the European Taekwondo Union, from Bulgaria; Ioannis Mouroutsos, ETU Sports Director; French official Philippe Bouedo, Technical Delegate; Moustapha Akkouh, Competition Supervisory Board Representative; and Mohamed Argoubi, ETU Referee Chairman.
A HISTORIC EVENT FOR PORTUGAL
The first edition of the Portugal Open G1 not only marks the arrival of a new high-level event on the international circuit, but also consolidates the organisational work that Portuguese taekwondo has been developing over recent years.
The significance of the championship lies in the fact that it will be Portugal’s first kyorugi open with G1 status for the senior division, awarding points towards the World Taekwondo Ranking. Cadet and junior athletes will also play a prominent role on the opening day, with E1 points available for the European Ranking, Nuno Antunes, President of the Portuguese Taekwondo Federation, told MundoTaekwondo.com.
COMPETITION PROGRAMME
The action will begin on Saturday, 25 July, with the cadet and junior competitions, while the senior G1 event will take place on Sunday, 26 July.
The senior division is expected to be the main highlight of the weekend due to its competitive and strategic importance within the international calendar.
The event will be held at the Pavilhão Municipal Parque da Lavandeira in Vila Nova de Gaia, which will welcome athletes, coaches, referees, officials and delegations from a range of countries.
ANTICIPATION AND INTERNATIONAL PROJECTION
The Portugal Open G1 2026 has generated enormous anticipation due to both the level of participation and the symbolic importance it holds for Portuguese sport.
The strong entry confirms international interest in this new competition and reinforces Portugal’s image as a nation capable of staging major events within world taekwondo.
The championship also follows a successful international training camp held in Vila Nova de Gaia, which has turned the city into a major centre for preparation and competition during this decisive week for European taekwondo.
A WEEKEND FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS
With this championship, Portugal is taking a decisive step towards a new stage in its competitive and organisational development.
The launch of the Portugal Open G1 symbolises not only the arrival of a new world-ranking tournament, but also the maturity of a federation project determined to make its mark on the international stage.
Everything is ready for Vila Nova de Gaia to host Portugal’s most anticipated championship this weekend.
The event promises high-level competition, excitement and a historic atmosphere as the country stages its first major kyorugi open awarding World Ranking points.
DRAWS
LIVE STREAMING
Follow the Portugal Open G1 2026 live through the official playlist:
MundoTaekwondo – Official Press
