The sparring rounds in taekwondo at the Summer Universiade will begin Thursday, with host South Korea eyeing multiple medals in its traditional martial art from the first day of competition.

Four fighters will be in action: Kim Dae-ik and Ryu Dae-han in men's under-54-kilogram and in 68㎏, respectively, and Yu Su-yeon and Kim So-hee in women's under-46㎏ and under-57㎏, respectively.

Matches will start at 9 a.m. at Chosun University Gymnasium in Gwangju.

There are 18 medals up for grabs in the sparring portion of taekwondo, and South Korea is aiming for at least five.

The men's football team will face Uruguay in the quarterfinals at Jeongeup Public Stadium in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, north of Gwangju. It's a 4:30 p.m. kickoff. South Korea is riding a three-match winning streak.

In shooting, Park Jun-woo, Han Sang-hun and Lee Kyung-won will try to bag a gold in the men's 25-ｍeter standard pistol. (Yonhap)