AWST 2026 Taekwondo Kicks Off on February 10

Making its first appearance on the AWST programme, taekwondo enters the tournament with official G1 classification from World Taekwondo. This recognition enhances the event’s technical and competitive status and allows participating athletes to earn points toward their international rankings, linking their performances to global classification pathways.

Participating teams

The taekwondo competition will feature six teams representing five Arab countries, reflecting the growing depth of women’s taekwondo in the region and the diversity of technical approaches. Participating teams include Sharjah Women’s Sports Club and Fujairah Martial Arts Club from the UAE; Al Badi’a Women’s Club from the Kingdom of Bahrain; Al Fatat Sports Club from Kuwait; Gaz Al Shamal Club from the Republic of Iraq; and Al Widad Sports Club from the Kingdom of Morocco.

Khorfakkan’s readiness to host

In this context, Abdullah Saleh Al Naqbi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, said that Khorfakkan welcomes the tournament amid the distinctive winter atmosphere of the “Bride of the East Coast.” He affirmed that the club’s facilities and teams have been fully mobilised to ensure hosting at the highest standards, combining precise organisation with the unique character of the venue to offer delegations a comprehensive experience inside and beyond the arenas.

Public invitation and schedule

Sharjah Women’s Sports invited the public and self-defence sports enthusiasts to attend the competitions and support Arab women athletes in an atmosphere that reflects the continued development of women’s sports across the region. The full schedule, including bout timings, is available on the tournament’s official website.

Organisational readiness

Host venues and clubs have confirmed the completion of all maintenance and technical preparations, ensuring smooth operations, readiness to receive delegations and spectators, and a comprehensive event experience that matches the scale of AWST 2026.

Advancing Women’s Sports

The introduction of G1-classified taekwondo marks a significant step in the tournament’s ongoing evolution. It provides athletes with high-level competitive exposure while strengthening the technical readiness of Arab women’s clubs and national teams. The programme aligns with AWST’s broader vision to advance women’s self-defence sports, expand Arab women’s presence in internationally recognised competitions, and further reinforce Sharjah’s standing as a leading Arab platform for hosting accredited events in line with best organisational practices.