World Taekwondo are evaluating whether to use a one-round format at future Para-taekwondo events following a trial at last month's IWAS World Games ©World Taekwondo

World Taekwondo are evaluating whether to use a one-round format at future Para-taekwondo events following a trial at last month's International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation World Games in Portugal.

A one five-minute round fight system was used for the first time at the event in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

It replaced the previous two three-minute round fight format and it is hoped it will make the sport more exciting to watch.

The sport's worldwide governing body sought feedback from taekwondo players who took part in the trial in the Portuguese city.

World Taekwondo gathered information from fighters, coaches, referees and fans and collected data about scoring and the number of penalties.

They will use the data to assess if they should use the system going forward.

A one five-minute round fight system was used for the first time at the event in Vila Real de Santo Antonio ©World Taekwondo
A one five-minute round fight system was used for the first time at the event in Vila Real de Santo Antonio ©World Taekwondo

"We're looking at how to make Para-taekwondo more efficient," said WT’s technical chair for Para-taekwondo, Chakir Chelbat.

"It introduces a totally new dynamic.

“It's very interesting, very attractive. 

"And it makes the tournaments faster and more efficient.

"Tactically, it is better for physically fit players.

"But if a fighter is very tired, it allows the coach to give them a break."