(Aug. 23, 2024) - From quick foot works to spinning kicks, day two is expected to witness an incredible display of technique, skill and speed at the Para Taekwondo events at Grand Palais on August 30.

In the third edition of the series, we focus on the men’s events – M K44-70kg and M K44 -63kg – weight categories to feature on Day 2 of the competitions.

 

Men K44-70kg

Imamaddin Khalilov (AZE)

He is the most consistent player in the category having dominated the Grand Prix series, continental and World Championships. The top player from Azerbaijan will be the favourite to clinch the gold in his second Paralympics. The reigning world champion will hope to ride on his strong focus and determination in Paris.

 

Juan Diego Garcia Lopez (MEX)

The 21-year-old Mexican will be in spotlight when he enters the mat at Grand Palais as the Paralympic gold medallist (M K44-75kg) at Paris 2024. Having remained out of action for a year owing to injury and then surgery, Garcia Lopez returned at the Chuncheon 2024 in July only to take the silver. He would be hoping to put up a fighting show in Paris.

 

Fatih Celik (TUR)

The Turkish star might have one medal-winning performances this year, but he is expected to pose a strong challenge in Paris. Celik has a couple of Grand Prix gold medals last year, including one in Paris, and European Championships silver.

 

Shunsuke Kudo (JPN)

Another player to watch out for in the category will be Kudo. The Japanese will be hoping to amend his Paralympic campaign in Paris, after his seventh-place finish in his debut Games. The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games bronze medal and a couple of Grand Prix podiums were the highlights of his recent form.

 

Men K44-63kg

Nathan Torquato (BRA)

He is the reigning Paralympic champion and will be in spotlight when he takes the mat at Grand Palais. Torquato has been on the podium several times last year highlighted by the gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games and the World bronze medal.

 

Antonino Bossolo (ITA)

The Italian has emerged as a strong medal contender in Paris after his gold medal winning World Championships 2023 campaign in Veracruz. He went on to win the Player of the Year award at Word Taekwondo’s Gala Awards. Bossolo will be hoping to improve his fifth-place finish at Tokyo, when he competes in Paris.

 

Mahmut Bozteke (TUR)

Bozteke will another player to watch out for in the category. The Turkish star has been in the top of the podium in back-to-back Grand Prix in Taiyuan and Manchester. The top-ranked athlete will enter the Grand Palais aiming to improve his bronze medal from Tokyo 2020.

 

Bolor-Erdene Ganbat (MGL)

One of the most experienced players in the field, Ganbat will be hoping to claim his first Paralympic medal in Paris. The five-time world champion also has been in great form last year when he won the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou after claiming the bronze at the Worlds.