Jakarta is preparing to take center stage in the world of taekwondo by hosting the 8th Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open Championships 2026. This prestigious international competition is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 5, 2026, at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta. This G2 World Taekwondo level tournament will not only offer crucial points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification but is also designed to strengthen the capital's position as a premier global sports destination.
The General Chairman of the Executive Board of Indonesian Taekwondo (PBTI), Lieutenant General Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon, emphasized that this event carries the concept of sport tourism. PBTI is optimistic that the presence of hundreds of foreign delegates will boost the local economy. Jakarta's hospitality, transportation, culinary, and micro-business sectors are projected to feel a direct positive impact from the mobility of athletes and officials during the championship.
The championship will feature two main categories: poomsae (forms) and kyorugi (sparring). The poomsae category for recognized and freestyle classes is scheduled to take place during the first two days of the competition on August 1–2. Meanwhile, fierce battles in the senior male and female kyorugi categories will take place from August 3 to 5, 2026.
A total of 478 taekwondo athletes from 36 countries have confirmed their participation in this prestigious event. Indonesia itself is fielding a full strength squad of 233 athletes. Out of this number, 31 athletes were selected through a rigorous process in the regional Ksatria Nusantara Series championships, including three key athletes who are also being prepared for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games: Muhammad Bassam Raihan, Arya Danu, and Andi Sultan.
From the international lineup, 245 athletes will arrive from various regions of the world, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, with the Indian delegation sending the largest representation, followed by Hong Kong and the Philippines. To maintain the quality of the tournament and comply with World Taekwondo regulations regarding daily match durations, PBTI Secretary General Rafael Hotasi Siagian explained that the organizing committee had to limit the number of registrants to ensure a smooth competition.
