Ahead of the start of the WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships, the organisation's General Assembly welcomed the new associations, which make them one of the world's top eight International Sports Federations in terms of affiliated member numbers.

Micronesia and Palau made their official Olympic and Paralympic Games debut in Sydney in 2000, though both have yet to win a medal.

Nauru, the world's smallest Republic, made their Games debut in 1996, while Seychelles have a longer sporting pedigree, having competed since 1980, though neither have yet scored a medal.

At the Assembly, amendments to the organisation's statues and competition rules were made to ensure the safety of athletes and fairer refereeing.

A separate WTF Athletes Committee will also be formed to represent athletes in the taekwondo movement, it was decided.

The new rules stipulate that a valid point will be given "when any part of the foot touches the opponent's head" (pictured below).


Judges can also now ask for video reviews if coaches have used up their allocation for appeals at the most crucial stages of games.

Referees must now consult medical committee doctors to decide whether an injured contestant can continue or not, to clamp down on competitors using one minute treatment opportunities to rest or recover in.

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