The European Qualification Tournament for Tokyo 2020 starts in Sofia tomorrow ©Taekwondo Europe

Many of Europe’s best taekwondo athletes will seek final Tokyo 2020 places at the European Qualification Tournament starting in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia tomorrow.

A total of 120 athletes from 39 countries and one refugee team will compete over two days at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia.

The refugee team will comprise six athletes - four men and two women - reflecting the accessibility of the sport and the important role it continues to play in empowering displaced individuals.

After today’s scheduled official draw, competition is due to get underway tomorrow in the women’s under-49 and under-67 kilograms categories, and the men’s under-58kg and under-80kg.

Training is underway at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia ahead of the European Qualification Tournament for Tokyo 2020 being organised by Taekwondo Europe ©Taekwondo Europe
Training is underway at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia ahead of the European Qualification Tournament for Tokyo 2020 being organised by Taekwondo Europe ©Taekwondo Europe

On Saturday (May 8) it will be the turn of the women’s under-57kg and +67kg and men’s under-68kg and +80kg categories.

The Paralympic Qualification Tournament is due to take place on Sunday (May 9).

The tournament is promoted by Taekwondo Europe and organised by Taekwondo Bulgaria and the relevant authorities say they plan to implement robust COVID-19 protocols to protect the health of all participants.

The European Qualification Tournament is the penultimate Continental Qualification Tournament for Tokyo 2020 to take place, with the Asian Qualification Tournament scheduled for May 21 to 23.