Games is step into unknown

Dubai: Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum says a split second could be the difference between success and failure.

She said: "I really do not know what to expect. I know I am going there because it is my duty and responsibility to be in Beijing.

"I also know that I have to do the best I can during the competition. I have to respect the rest of the competitors as all of them will be there to win that medal.

"They have put in so much of time and effort to get there and the one and only thing that would matter to them is that Olympic medal.

"I need to match that focus and do better than that if I am to return with the medal ahead of the rest," said Shaikha Maitha.

"The beauty is you don't know what the outcome will be. A split second can determine a win or a loss. So the key lies in not underestimating anyone...it's faith in the end and the belief that I can go out there and win," she added.

Format for taekwondo

Each weight category of the taekwondo competition will consist of a single elimination tournament with a final to decide gold and silver.

Each competitor who lost to the two finalists will be entered into the repechage, which means 'to rescue', to determine the winners of the two bronze medals.

The two defeated semifinals will go directly to the repechage finals. The two winners in the repechage finals will each receive a bronze medal.

The draw for the taekwondo competition will be a single session for all weight categories.

All participants will be needed to pass the weigh-in one day before the competition.