Prior to the World Taekwondo Gala Awards in Moscow yesterday, Athletes' Committee members were invited to give their perspective at the Council meeting, where the new competition uniform was evaluated.

Following feedback from all taekwondo stakeholders, including athletes, Member National Associations, coaches, and media, the Council decided that change was necessary. 

Taekwondo has developed from a traditional martial art to a popular Olympic sport, they claimed, and it was decided that the uniform should evolve with the development of the sport.

The Council approved the competition top which was showcased for the first time during the Tokyo 2020 test event at Makuhari Messe Hall in September.

The material of the competition pants will be the same as the top. 

It will be more breathable, practical and technically effective, with the protectors built into the uniform. 

The pants will maintain a traditional shape but with a slimmer build.

There will be a further study by the Ad Hoc Committee, alongside the Athletes' Committee, to determine the colours of the competition pants.

The head protector colour will revert back to the traditional blue and red to match the colour of the protector and scoring system.