British Taekwondo is delighted to confirm that the 2026 London Open Poomsae has been awarded G-1 status, with Para Poomsae designated as G-2. In addition, the United Kingdom has been selected to host the President’s Cup Poomsae (G-3) for the first time.
This marks a landmark moment for British Taekwondo, with three separate G-Class Poomsae competitions set to take place on the same weekend. Nextgen Taekwondo Events will serve as the official host for the London Open Poomsae (G1), Para Poomsae (G2) and President’s Cup Poomsae (G3).
Scheduled for 2–3 May 2026 at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, these designations place London among the leading international Poomsae destinations of the coming year and reflect the continued growth and professionalism of the UK Poomsae community.
The London Open Poomsae has become one of the standout events in the national calendar, attracting hundreds of athletes annually. Its elevation to G-1 status, alongside the hosting of the standalone President’s Cup, represents a major step forward for Poomsae in the UK.
This progress is underpinned by the leadership and dedication of Dr Said Khelwatty (Organising Committee Chair, British Taekwondo Non-Executive Director and ETU Council Member), Grand Master Gemma Biescas (Technical Director and British Taekwondo Non-Executive Director) and Master Siva Ramasamy (Championships Director), whose collective efforts have elevated the event to international prominence.
With three G-Class competitions now confirmed, London will welcome a strong international field, offering athletes from across Europe and beyond the opportunity to earn G-ranking points on British soil.
British Taekwondo CEO Dave Marshall welcomed the announcement, saying:
“Securing G-Class status for the London Open Poomsae and the right to host the President’s Cup in the UK for the first time is a fantastic achievement for the London Open Poomsae, and a benefit for all British Taekwondo Poomsae athletes.
“This continues to enhance our Poomsae Community’s reputation across the World and we look forward to an exciting event in London next year.
“This G-Class status announcement is testament to the work of Said, Gemma and Siva in establishing London Open Poomsae as a landmark event in the British Taekwondo calendar. We offer our congratulations to all involved in the staging of what promises to be a fantastic event in May.”
Organising Committee Chair Dr Said Khelwatty added:
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the London Open Poomsae awarded G-Class status, but it is also a huge honour to host the President’s Cup Poomsae (G3) in the UK for the first time, and to do so alongside the London Open on the same weekend.
“This is a significant moment for British Poomsae. Our team is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for athletes, referees and spectators, and we look forward to welcoming the international Poomsae family to London.”
The staging of the London Open Poomsae (G1), Para Poomsae (G2) and President’s Cup Poomsae (G3) represents a defining chapter for Poomsae in the United Kingdom, highlighting what can be achieved through strong leadership, collaboration and community commitment.
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