GB Taekwondo has received backing from UK Sport as it bids to host three major events over the next three years.

Manchester is at the centre of two bids, with the northern city vying for the World Taekwondo Championships in 2019 and the 2018 World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Grand Prix.

If successful, the two competitions will take place at the Manchester Arena, which has previously staged Grand Prix tournaments in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Manchester City Council has also put its weight behind the bid.

The Mayor of London’s Office has made similar commitments to back a bid to bring the 2017 Grand Prix to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Copper Box Arena.

Jeremy Beard, GB Taekwondo chair, said both cities were “famous for hosting world-class sporting events”.

“These iconic cities and our multi-event bid provides the perfect foundation for us to work in partnership with the WTF to strengthen the sport’s international profile and its commercial value,” he added.

UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl said: “The WTF’s strategy to deliver ambitious world-class sustainable events mirrors that of the UK and we are delighted to support the bid for this package of events, including the pinnacle World Championships.”

She added: “These events provide an important platform for athletes to compete on home soil as part of their journey toward qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”

Team GB performed will in Taekwondo at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, achieving its upper target of three medals.

Jade Jones (gold), Lutalo Muhammad (silver) and Bianca Walkden (bronze) achieved podium finishes.