Manchester to host 2027 World Taekwondo Grand Prix III

We are delighted to announce that Manchester has been announced as the host city for the World Taekwondo Grand Prix III event, set to be staged in 2027.

The World Taekwondo Council made the decision in Fujairah, UAE ahead of the 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, with a series of exciting events added to the calendar over the next two years.

The awarding of the event marks the latest in a number of memorable events to be staged in the city over the past 12 years, with seven Grand Prix events, as well as the 2019 World Taekwondo Championships, and the 2022 European Taekwondo Championships, as the legacy of hosting major Taekwondo events in the city continues.

The success of the bid reflects the strong partnership and shared vision and values of all involved at British Taekwondo, GB Taekwondo, UK Sport, Manchester City Council and Manchester Active, as well as the vital support of The National Lottery.

British Taekwondo CEO Ian Leafe, Head of Events Matt Marshall, and Manchester City Council’s Yarv Abbas were all present to submit the bid to World Taekwondo in the UAE and ultimately proved successful once the news was announced on Friday.

Upon the awarding of the event, Leafe said: “Manchester’s selection as the host city for the 2027 World Taekwondo Grand Prix III is a proud milestone that reflects the city’s long-standing sporting legacy and global reputation for staging world-class events.

“It is a great privilege that World Taekwondo has selected us as the host for the prestigious event. I want to express my gratitude to the World Taekwondo leadership for placing their trust in our vision and capabilities and continue Manchester’s legacy as the spiritual home of the World Taekwondo Grand Prix.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Manchester City Council and UK Sport, whose commitment to developing elite sport and fostering international collaboration has been instrumental throughout the bidding process.

“With their guidance, Manchester is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence, community engagement, and global unity through Taekwondo.

“We look forward to welcoming the world to a city where passion, diversity, and the power of sport truly come alive.”

Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure for Manchester City Council said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting the 2027 World Taekwondo Grand Prix. An event that continues to build on our unparalleled track record with Taekwondo, as the home of GB Taekwondo, British Taekwondo and also the National Taekwondo Centre along with having hosted multiple World Taekwondo Grand Prix events and the World Taekwondo Championships here in Manchester.

“The event not only provides important opportunities for athletes qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and Paralympics but will inspire a new generation of martial artists and communities and stand as a testament in our ability to provide an electric and unforgettable atmosphere for athletes, coaches, and fans alike as a global city Alive With Sport”

GB Taekwondo CEO Paul Buxton said: “Bringing the GP back to Manchester in 2027 creates a fantastic opportunity for GB athletes to compete on home soil as they pursue qualification for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in LA.

“It also creates the opportunity for all those that have supported them along the way from family and friends to coaches and the whole Taekwondo community to see them perform at the very highest level.

“We are grateful to President Choue and the World Taekwondo Council, for trusting in us, and to Manchester and UK Sport for their commitment to bringing the inspiration of top- level Taekwondo action back to the UK.”

Esther Britten, Head of Events at UK Sport, said: “We are delighted that world-class taekwondo will return to Manchester in 2027.

“The support of The National Lottery has been instrumental in bringing this event back to the UK and giving British athletes a golden opportunity to compete in front of home fans as they build towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.”

Grand Prix events in Rome, Italy, Muju, Korea, and Paris, France were confirmed for 2026, with the Grand Prix Final set to be staged in Astana, Kazakhstan, as well as the World Taekwondo Gala.

Paris will also stage Grand Prix II in 2027, followed by the prestigious event returning to Manchester, with the best in the World set to compete at the National Cycling Centre, home of the 2025 British Taekwondo International Open, before Taian, China hosts the Grand Prix final.

With British Taekwondo working alongside GB Taekwondo, Manchester City Council, Manchester Active and UK Sport, the 2027 event is set to be bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to Manchester opening its arms to the World once again.