Dr. Chungwon Choue, The president of WTF delivers a speech dring opening cremony of the 1st World Cup Team Championship at the huamark indoor stadium Bangkok, Thailand

The 1st WTF World Cup Taekwondo Team Championships kicked off for a five-day run here on Sept. 14, 2006, drawing over 300 athletes from 35 countries.

The event, which takes place at the 5,000-seat Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, features individual and team competitions. The individual competition is scheduled to continue until Sept. 17, with the team event on Sept. 18.

Based on the individual competition results, eight countries will field their respective athletes in the male and female divisions for the team event.

For Thailand, the year 2006 is a special year as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

Dr. Choue presented a replica of ancient Korean crown to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop

During the opening ceremony, WTF President Choue presented a replica of ancient Korean crown to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop, which was then handed over to Mr. Pimol Srivikorn, chairman of the Organizing Committee of the championships. The crown from the Silla Dynasty of Korea is to be presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol.

Dr. Choue presented an honorary Dan certificate to the deputy prime minister.

The opening ceremony featured cultural performances from four regions of Thailand, followed by a puppet theater show to mark the 60th anniversary of the King��s accession to the throne.

Korean National taekwondo demonstration Team

At 15. Chunwoo Lee, korean demonstration Team Leader demonstrates Poomsae.

There was also a Korean taekwondo demonstration under the sponsorship of Samsung at the end of the opening ceremony. Samsung, the global partner of the WTF, sponsored this inaugural World Cup Taekwondo Team Championship.