Powerful kicks, amazing technique and indomitable spirit will be on display in the third day of the Para Taekwondo competition at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris.

In the fourth and final edition of the series, we focus on the men’s events – M-80kg, M+85kg and W+65kg – weight categories to feature on Day 3 (31 August) of the competition.

 

▶ Men K44 –80kg

 

Jeonghun Joo (KOR)
He is Korea’s top fighter and has been in medal contention in the important championships over the past few years. From finishing with the silver medal at the Veracruz 2023 World Para Taekwondo Championships to winning the gold at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games, Jeonghun has emerged as the top contender for the gold at Paris 2024. He will be also eager to improve the colour of his medal, from bronze, at Paris. 

 

Asadbek Toshtemirov (UZB)
The promising Uzbek will be another Para Taekwondoin to watch out for in the category. The world championship title in Veracruz last year was the highlight of Toshtemirov’s career followed by a few podiums finish at Grand Prixs and Asian Para Games. The 22-year-old will be aiming for putting up a repeat of that performance at Paris. 

 

Alireza Bakht (IRI)
The Iranian have managed to finish on the podium in several Grand Prix, Asian Para Games and European Open Championships. He will be aiming to compensating the absence of Tokyo 2020 medallists from Iran, Asghar Aziziaghdam (M K44+75kg) and Mahdi Pourrahnama (M K44+75kg), with a medal in Paris. 

▶ Men K44+80 kg

Hamed Haghshenas (IRI)
With a series of six gold medal performances including two this year, Haghshenas will be among the favourites for the Paralympic gold in the category. The top ranked Iranian also has the Asian Para Games 2022 and World Championships 2021 gold medals to boost his confidence entering the mat at Grand Palais. 

 

Ivan Mikulic (CRO)
He is Croatia’s top Para Taekwondoin aiming to win his first Paralympic gold medal at Paris. A silver medallist (M K44+75kg) at Tokyo 2020, the tall Mikulic will ride on his European Championships and Grand Prix shows, last year, for another podium finish at Paris.

 

Matt Bush (GBR)
The British fighter has once again proved his skill and talent at the World Championships 2023 in Veracruz, when he returned to form after recovering from an injury. Bush picked up the Worlds gold - his first title in 28 months - after the bronze at the Veracruz 2023 Grand Prix. He will be keen to make the most of the Paris qualification after missing out Tokyo 2020.

 
▶ Women K44+65kg

Guljonoy Naimova (UZB)
The reigning Paralympic champion will be the favourite to defend her gold in Paris. The Uzbek star has made the headlines with her series of gold medal shows last year – including the gold at Asian Para Games 2022 and Manchester 2023 Grand Prix Finals. Her rivalry with Truesdale will be a treat to watch for the fans. 

 

Amy Truesdale (GBR)
One of the pioneers of Para Taekwondo, Truesdale will be aiming to get her first Paralympic gold at Paris. The Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist was on a dream run at Veracruz last year regaining the Worlds title, after six years, which came after the Grand Prix gold medal. Truesdale’s returning to her top form will be one of the highlights for the fans in the category.

 

Debora Menezes (BRA)
The Brazilian will be hoping to claim her second Paralympic podium after her bronze medal finish at the 2023 Worlds. She was also the silver medallist at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games and will be putting her best efforts to repeat the show in Paris. Though the road will be challenging.