Virtual taekwondo makes Asian Games debut with Singapore's Darren Yap in the fight
Virtual taekwondo is set to make its debut at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, featuring Singaporean athlete Darren Yap. The sport uses VR headsets and motion sensors to simulate combat, requiring athletes to adapt to a digital fighting environment.
Why it matters
The inclusion of virtual sports in major international games marks a significant evolution in the intersection of traditional athletics and digital technology.
It may look like a video game, but competing in virtual taekwondo is tougher than it seems, says Singapore's Darren Yap.
Darren Yap (left), who will be representing Singapore in poomsae and virtual taekwondo at the 20th Asian Games, spars with Ckrystal Chin at the Singapore Taekwondo Federation on Aug 25, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Ooi Boon Keong)
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