In an exclusive interview with MASTKD during the Paris-Levallois 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix, the Technical Delegate for LA28 acknowledged shortcomings in electronic headgear, revealed that artificial intelligence is being considered for video replay, and questioned whether the current competition gloves are achieving their intended purpose.

Mohamed Shaaban, a World Taekwondo Council member and the Technical Delegate appointed for LA28, addressed these issues in an exclusive interview with MASTKD during the Paris-Levallois 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix.

Asked about the development of the three Protector and Scoring Systems (PSS) and their prospects for Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032, Shaaban acknowledged that important improvements are still needed, particularly in detecting head kicks.

His assessment carries particular weight given his involvement in Olympic Taekwondo’s technical organization.

As previously reported by MASTKD, Shaaban was confirmed as Technical Delegate for Los Angeles 2028, continuing in the position he held during Paris 2024.

Electronic headgear remains a major challenge

Although Shaaban declined to make predictions about Brisbane 2032, he was unequivocal about the need for improvements ahead of Los Angeles.

“I cannot tell you so much about Brisbane, but for LA, we definitely do need to improve, definitely, especially in the area when it comes to the headshots and the headgear.”

He acknowledged that electronic scoring technology has undergone a lengthy development process but stressed that its current performance still requires attention.

“It has been a very long journey, but I have to say the performance today still require further improvement, especially in the absence of video replay for the headshots.”

The concern centers on whether electronic headgear can deliver the necessary reliability without the possibility of reviewing disputed head kicks.

Shaaban explained that World Taekwondo must evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of restoring video replay or further improving the equipment itself.

He also pointed to the experience accumulated across previous Olympic Games, during which different approaches to video review were used.

For WT, the challenge is to determine which alternative provides greater confidence without compromising the continuity of competition.

Could artificial intelligence bring video replay back?

One of the most significant revelations from the interview concerned the possible application of artificial intelligence to video replay.

Shaaban confirmed that different alternatives are currently being explored, including the possibility of using AI specifically to review head kicks.

“We are exploring a couple of ideas at the moment. One of them is AI.”

He then explained the objective in greater detail:

“We are looking into AI integration into the method related to the video replay, only for headshots.”

The idea is still being evaluated. Shaaban did not announce an approved system, a confirmed implementation date, or a decision to restore video replay for head kicks at Los Angeles 2028.

Instead, he presented AI as a possibility that could help address an unresolved technical challenge.

The issue has been part of MASTKD’s reporting for some time.

Daedo GEN3 PSS, the Silent Protagonist of the German Open 2025

In September 2025, MASTKD examined the performance of the Daedo GEN3 PSS at the German Open, where technological developments and competition rule changes were being evaluated.

The debate continued in February 2026, when Philippe Bouedo, Chairman of the World Taekwondo Technical Commission, spoke exclusively to MASTKD about the objectives behind the updated competition rules.

In that interview on the WT regulations, Bouedo emphasized the importance of reducing unnecessary interruptions and creating more continuous, understandable and attractive bouts.

Shaaban’s latest comments add another dimension to that discussion: whether technology could make it possible to restore certain review mechanisms without bringing back the disruptions associated with previous systems.

He also emphasized the importance of considering technical discussions and feedback from coaches.

The objective, according to his explanation, is to learn from the difficulties experienced in Tokyo and Paris without compromising the quality of competition.

Bouedo explains WT regulations: 6 divisions in the spotlight, fewer breaks, and a more “playable” Taekwondo

Two different approaches to artificial intelligence

Shaaban’s comments also establish a direct editorial connection with another exclusive interview conducted by MASTKD during the same Paris-Levallois Grand Prix.

World Taekwondo Vice President Jin-bang Yang recently discussed the development of the Smart Protector and Scoring System, an initiative intended to introduce artificial intelligence into the recognition of techniques and the evolution of electronic scoring.

In that exclusive interview with MASTKD, Yang explained that the project’s technical framework had been established and that an initial demonstration could take place in 2027.

Jin-bang Yang tells MASTKD: first demonstration of AI-assisted PSS expected in 2027

However, the two proposals should not be confused.

While Shaaban addressed the potential integration of AI into video replay procedures for head kicks, Yang’s Smart PSS project involves a broader technological development aimed at overcoming limitations in the current electronic scoring model.

The Smart PSS initiative has Brisbane 2032 as a long-term strategic horizon, although its eventual Olympic implementation has not been confirmed.

Shaaban, by contrast, focused primarily on the immediate challenges facing Los Angeles 2028.

There has been no confirmation that both initiatives belong to the same technical development.

Current gloves are not achieving their intended purpose

Another important aspect of the interview concerned the gloves currently used in competition.

Asked about their design and the athletes’ experience, Shaaban explained that one of their principal objectives was to prevent grabbing.

However, he acknowledged that the current models are not entirely fulfilling that purpose.

“I believe the gloves, the intention of the gloves was to prevent grabbing completely.”

He then identified a problem with the equipment being used at the Paris Grand Prix:

“I think the existing gloves, the one that we are using here, is not preventing the grabbing, but creating a bit of an issue for the players to be able to handle their equipment during the game.”

This observation is particularly relevant because equipment changes must be assessed not only through their intended regulatory purpose but also through their practical consequences for athletes.

Shaaban made clear that further discussion is necessary.

“We will have to discuss that again because the outcome is not what we intended, either for both of the game and for the player.”

He concluded that the matter should be addressed in the near future.

His remarks suggest that the evaluation of competition equipment remains an ongoing process and that athlete experience continues to be an important consideration in future decisions.

A difficult moment for the World Taekwondo family

Beyond technical and regulatory matters, the interview also addressed the difficult period facing World Taekwondo following the recent death of the wife of its President, Dr. Chungwon Choue.

Shaaban expressed his condolences to the President and his family, describing the news as deeply sad and unexpected.

He then reflected on how tragedies can change people’s perspectives and remind them of what truly matters.

“When a tragedy like this happens, it reminds everyone about what’s important in life.”

According to Shaaban, such circumstances can also encourage people to reconsider disagreements and conflicts that may otherwise appear important.

He suggested that the Taekwondo community is experiencing a moment of greater unity and mutual support.

“People are getting together and people are trying to look forward to the future, less contention situations.”

His reflections introduced a human dimension to an interview otherwise focused on the technological and competitive challenges facing the sport.

Los Angeles 2028: improving technology without compromising competition

As the conversation concluded, Shaaban expressed confidence in World Taekwondo’s ability to meet the challenges ahead.

Although he recognized the magnitude of the work required, he remained optimistic about the next Olympic Games.

“We have a big challenge there, but I’m pretty sure that we will step forward on it and then we will have hopefully a great Olympic Games for the Taekwondo.”

His statements identify three important areas that remain under consideration: the reliability of electronic headgear, the future of video replay, and the effectiveness of competition gloves.

The possible application of artificial intelligence adds a new dimension to a debate that World Taekwondo has been navigating for several Olympic cycles.

For Shaaban, the challenge is not simply to introduce additional technology. It is to evaluate whether those developments can address existing shortcomings without compromising the quality of competition.

Los Angeles 2028 will provide an important test of how far Olympic Taekwondo can advance in balancing technological reliability, fair competition and the experience of athletes and coaches.

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