The technology uses accurate, real-time motion tracking of a person's full body movements to turn taekwondo into a virtual competition.

A user's body is transformed into a gaming controller, so they are able to kick and punch as they attempt to beat the avatar of a real-life opponent in a one-on-one format.

As physical barriers are removed, virtual taekwondo creates opportunities for people from around the world to compete across genders, weight classes and abilities.

It is hoped that virtual competitions will be held by World Taekwondo as early as next year.

"World Taekwondo has been at the forefront of innovative technology adoption," said World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue.

"We have long been committed to aligning with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Olympic Agenda 2020 and now 2020+5 vision in growing digital engagement. 

"We partnered with Refract Technologies in 2018 to develop a virtual sport which allows players to use their bodies as a game controller in one-on-one non-contact sparring. 

"Through this we can nurture a new generation of virtual athletes united by the Olympic values of respect, friendship and excellence."

Virtual sparring uses the AXIS motion tracking system, with the unveiling coinciding with Olympic Day today. 

In 2019, virtual taekwondo was shown to IOC President Thomas Bach during the World Championships in Manchester.

Online events have also come to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic, including in poomsae taekwondo.

"We are excited to support World Taekwondo and have our system tested at the highest levels by professional athletes," said Michael Chng, chief executive of Refract Technologies, which hopes to launch a Kickstarter campaign for the game controller in August. 

"With advances in 5G, artificial intelligence and edge cloud processing, usage of extended reality devices will become a way of life in the near future."