The 9th edition of Viking Cup International is now history. About 400 competitors from 15 countries took part in the competition. The following countries were represented in the Viking Cup International 2008: Canada, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden and Ukraine.

   
   

Because of the system of competing, pool in sparring and pyramid in pattern, over 800 matches were carried out during the competition. This is one thing that shows how big the competition was. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all participants to fantastic achievements and an exemplary manner.

There was a great mix of competitors from different countries in Europe with long distant competitors from Puerto Rico and Canada.

   
   
   

An electronic system created by the Polish Taekwon-Do Association was used. It was very much appreciated as it worked without any problems and was very popular among competitors, coaches and the audience as it displayed the results very clearly. Worth mentioning in this case is that the system was very easy to use and the umpires quickly learned to use it. We hope that this system will be used during many competitions in the future.

All classes in sparring were carried out in the poolsystem. This made all participants guaranteed many fights. The bouts were of very high standard in both pattern and sparring as there were many great athletes showing their skills during the competition.

There was also a special Viking Cup Party arranged in a nightclub on Sunday. There was a great atmosphere with laughter and dancing until early hours.

We would like to take this opportunity to already welcome everybody to Sweden next year when we will celebrate the 10-years anniversary of Viking Cup International. WELCOME!

Visit the VIking Cup webpage!

Swavek Dydiszko, 6th Degree,
Head of Organizing Committee