British International Open Taekwondo at National Cycling Centre

Manchester’s National Cycling Centre is about to swap bikes for body protectors as the British International Open returns on April 25-26. (britishtaekwondo.org.uk) British Taekwondo said more than 600 athletes will compete across the two-day event, which it calls the UK’s biggest international kyorugi tournament of 2026. Kyorugi is the sparring side of taekwondo, where fighters score with kicks and punches under World Taekwondo rules. (britishtaekwondo.org.uk; worldtaekwondo.org) Saturday is set aside for the senior competition, with Los Angeles 2028 qualification points on the line for Olympic hopefuls. Sunday shifts to junior and cadet divisions, where under-18 athletes compete for European ranking points in eight weight categories. (britishtaekwondo.org.uk; platform.justtikit.com) The event is listed as a World Taekwondo G-1 tournament, a grade used for recognized international opens that award world ranking points. British Taekwondo’s entry pack says clubs and national teams can take part, not just host-nation athletes. (britishtaekwondo.org.uk; worldtkd.simplycompete.com) That points system matters early in the Los Angeles cycle because ranking events shape seeding and international standing long before final Olympic qualification is decided. British Taekwondo’s ticket page says the Manchester meet includes both Olympic and Paralympic divisions tied to that pathway. (platform.justtikit.com; britishtaekwondo.org.uk) Manchester is not a one-off stop for the sport. British Taekwondo’s official invitation says the city and the UK have hosted the World Taekwondo community for nearly 15 years, and Visit Manchester says athletes from more than 20 countries are expected this weekend. (worldtkd.simplycompete.com; visitmanchester.com) Fans will be able to follow the brackets and results in real time. Taekwondo TV has already posted the event page for April 25-26 with schedule, medal table and match details. (taekwondo.tv) The weekend opens with senior bouts on Saturday and closes with youth divisions on Sunday, giving Manchester another ranking event on the road to Los Angeles 2028. (britishtaekwondo.org.uk; platform.justtikit.com)