At RomeCup 2025, the stories of national champions
It was 2006 when, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, during the first edition of the “SconfinataMente” Science Festival, a brand new event took place: the first public performance of sumo robots, designed and animated by three Roman schools, Pacinotti, Piazza della Resistenza di Monterotondo and Von Neumann. Almost twenty years later, these three pioneering institutions are still protagonists at RomeCup 2025, testifying to a long and consistent commitment to education in technology and training.
And it was at RomeCup that the concept of “challenge” evolved once again. In addition to the usual robot competitions, the event hosted another form of high-tech competition: Virtual Taekwondo, an immersive, digital version of the combat sport, brought by the Italian Taekwondo Federation with exceptional athletes and testimonials. Using sensors and visors, athletes compete at a distance, without physical contact, but with the same intensity and competitiveness. The space was curated by Daniele Vigo, a qualified Fita coach, Taekwondo master and 4th Dan black belt, and coordinator of the Fab Lab at the Palestra dell'Innovazione [see news item Sport, technology and gaming].
In this unprecedented convergence of sport, gaming and artificial intelligence, young people are discovering new ways to express energy, discipline and competitive spirit. Whether it's pushing a robot off the platform or challenging an avatar in virtual reality, the message remains the same: learn to surpass yourself by developing cross-cutting skills that connect body, mind and technology.
‘There is no usual contact between two athletes,’ explains champion Sara Daluani, ‘but through virtual reality, you fight at a distance. It is less invasive physically, but the competitiveness is the same.’ It is a new way of experiencing sport that keeps the competitive spirit intact.
Dihiar Liur, an athlete on the Olympic refugee team, also gives voice to the transformative power of sport: ‘Italy has given me a new chance. To continue playing sport, studying, building a new life... It's important to share my story.’ A story that shows how technology and sport can be tools for redemption and inclusion.
‘With Virtual Taekwondo, we want sport to keep up with the times,’ emphasises Cristina Pescante of the Italian Taekwondo Federation. ‘Our version is played with a headset and sensors that reproduce the real movements of the athletes. It is a technology that allows us to explore new ways of training and competing, even at a distance.’
In both arenas, robotics and sport, young people discover the value of challenge as an exercise in personal and collective growth. Whether it's pushing a robot off the platform or facing a virtual opponent, the principle remains the same: overcoming one's limits through play, technique and intelligence.
From the platform of 2006 to the digital platform of 2025, the challenge continues. And with it, the future of education, which grows between memory and innovation.
