Pyongyang, September 9 (KCNA) -- The 17th World Taekwon-Do Championship opened in Pyongyang Thursday.

The championship drew an estimated 800 players and coaches from more than 80 countries and regions.

The players compete for 36 gold medals in men and women's team and individual pattern, sparring, self-defense, special techniques and demonstration.

Players of the DPRK, Russia, Tajikistan and Argentina are considered hopefuls in view of their past records.

The largest-ever championship will serve as a good opportunity for widely disseminating Taekwon-Do, the traditional martial art of Korea, and boosting exchange and cooperation among Taekwon-Do players throughout the world.

The championship will close on Sept. 12.

Pyongyang sponsored the 8th World Taekwon-Do Championship in September Juche 81 (1992).