MANAMA, Bahrain (Nov 27, 2024) - Para Taekwondo’s Poomsae stars exuded pride and ecstasy as they began their campaign at the first-ever standalone World Para Taekwondo Poomsae Championships (G-14) in Manama on Tuesday, November 26.

 

The historic event marked a groundbreaking moment in the journey towards Para Taekwondo Poomsae’s aim for inclusion in the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.

 

On the opening day, winners in 11 categories - Women P22 Senior, Men P22 Senior, Women P33 Senior, Men P33 Senior, Women P32 Senior, Men P32 Senior, Women P51 Senior, Men P51 Senior, Women P52 Senior, Men P52 Senior and Men P53 Senior were awarded.

 

Nations from various regions emerged on top of the medals with Croatia and Morocco taking two gold medals each. Colombia, Greece, Singapore, Iraq and India claimed one gold medal each.

 

Stipe Baric and Leon Bozo Skravan displayed incredible skills and movements to claim the first gold medals for Croatia at the Championships. They emerged winners in P22 Senior Male and P33 Senior Male events respectively - both being the most keenly contested categories.

 

For Morocco, Khandoouch Ayoub won the P32 Senior Male final while Aya Baali matched her compatriot triumphing in P33 Senior Female event.

 

 

 

Colombia, Greece, Iraq, Singapore take gold too

Colombia’s Luisa Fernanda Restrepo Gallego demonstrated amazing Poomsae technique to clinch the P22 Senior Female world title.

 

Madsen Marius of Singapore finished as the best in the P52 Senior Male final while Greece’s Dimitra Korokida won the P51 Senior Female event so did Iraq’s Qusran Mohammed Oleiwi in P52 Senior Female final.

 

India’s Krishma Rawat took the gold for India in P32 Senior Female final.

The host nation also witnessed several players from their 16-member team in action with many making their international debuts in Para Taekwondo. Noora Zainal claimed the silver medal in P22 Senior Female event while Mohamed Jasim bagged the bronze in P33 Senior Male event.

 

 

 

 

In the evening, an opening ceremony officially kick started the action in Bahrain featuring teams parade and speeches from various prominent names including a message from World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue and a speech from Bahrain Paralympic Committee President His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa.

 

A record 140 athletes from 23 countries, in addition to Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), representing all five regions are participating in the two-day event.

 

Nine events will feature on Day two of the championships that include P21 Senior Male and Female, P23 Senior Male, P31 Senior Male and Female, P34 Senior Male and Female, P72 Male and Female competitions. One can watch all the action live on World Taekwondo YouTube channel.