How long is a para taekwondo match?
B · Beginner · Athletes and equipment · 2 of 4A contest is three two-minute rounds with a minute's rest; the scores add up. If tied, a one-minute golden round follows: first to two points wins, otherwise superiority decides. In the best-of-three format, each round is won separately with no golden round. The Technical Delegate may set shorter formats, including one five-minute round with a time-out each.
How it works
- Standard: three rounds of two minutes.
- Rest: one minute.
- Golden round: one minute, first to two points.
- Golden round scores: earlier rounds void.
- Best of three: rounds won count, no golden round.
- Superiority: turning kicks, then values, then PSS hits.
- Other formats: set by the Technical Delegate.
- Time-out: one minute, five-minute format only.
The glossary has the contest duration (para taekwondo), the golden round, the best of three system, the superiority, the time-out (para taekwondo) and the referee's commands.
Tricky cases
Neither scores in the golden round. Who wins?
More PSS hits in the golden round, then more rounds won.
Can a coach call a time-out in a golden round?
No.
A round is tied in best of three. How is it settled?
Superiority, starting with turning kicks.
Two gam-jeom to one fighter in the golden round?
The opponent wins.
Why the rule exists
A golden round settles ties by fighting, not by judges. Superiority is the last fallback.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Three rounds, total score | 7 |
| Best of three | Rounds won | 7.1.2 |
| Tie | Golden round | 16 |
From the rule book
World Taekwondo, Para Taekwondo Competition Rules (23 October 2025), articles 7, 13.4 and 16. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WT Para Taekwondo Competition Rules.