Eight youths injured in Taekwondo tournament

Eight competitors, out of roughly 500 at in international Taekwondo tournament in Pelhřimov, had to be treated in hospital for injuries suffered. None of the injuries were serious, news website iDnes reports, although one youth briefly lost consciousness. Taekwondo is a full-contact martial art, meaning kicks to the head are permitted. The organiser said injuries were not uncommon in the sport and that all participants wore helmets and protective padding. He pointed out that the aim was to score points – not to hurt opponents.