A national taekwondo championship is set to bring hundreds of athletes to Playa del Carmen for a one-day competition at the Poliforum. Organizers expect more than 850 competitors from over 60 academies, with coaches and families pushing the total visitor estimate past 2,000. The schedule starts early, and the setup calls for multiple competition areas as local athletes get a national field closer to home. The event also adds another sports date to the city’s June calendar.
More than 850 athletes expected in Playa del Carmen
More than 850 athletes from across Mexico are expected to compete on June 6 in the Riviera Maya Taekwondo Championship, a national-level tournament scheduled for the Poliforum in Playa del Carmen.
According to a municipal announcement, organizers expect the event to draw more than 2,000 people, including competitors, coaches, families, and other visitors.
The championship is backed by the Federación Mexicana de Taekwondo, organizers said. More than 60 academies are expected, with athletes coming from Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Puebla, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Mexico City, and Quintana Roo.
Competition begins early at the Poliforum
Competition is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. with children’s motor-circuit categories. Forms and combat events will follow in different divisions and belt levels.
Organizers said the setup will include eight competition areas and about 120 people working as referees or operational staff. The size of the field makes the event one of the larger local sports gatherings announced for Playa del Carmen’s June calendar.
Organizers point to lower travel costs for Quintana Roo athletes
Jorge Uc Medina, general coordinator of the Campeonato Riviera Maya, said the event was created in part to give Quintana Roo athletes access to higher-level competition without requiring families to travel to other states. During the presentation, he said those trips often add costs for transportation, lodging, and food.
Eligio Alcántara, sports director for the Instituto del Deporte Municipal, said the tournament fits the city’s effort to bring national competitions to Playa del Carmen. Officials also presented the event as a way to generate local spending during the weekend.
The tournament adds to a recent run of organized sports events in the area. Vallarta Daily has also reported on the LPGA’s return to Mayakoba in 2026 and a record state padel stop in Playa del Carmen.
Among the athletes highlighted by organizers is Daphne Mercado de Lima, a Playa del Carmen taekwondo competitor described by the municipality as a national and international medalist. She said the championship is expected to bring a strong competitive field in both female and male divisions.
