PARIS, France (Aug 27. 2024) - The Head of Team meeting for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was held at the iconic Grand Palais on Tuesday, one day before the Games kick off.
The meeting was attended by World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue, World Taekwondo Secretary General Jeongkang Seo, Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Technical Delegate Chakir Chelbat and Technical Controllers Usman Dildar and Mohammed Argoubi among others.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place at the iconic Grand Palais from August 29-August 31 featuring athletes from 52 nations plus a Refugee Team and Neutral Athletes competing across 10 weight categories (5 men and 5 women). This is the second time Para Taekwondo will be competed at the Games after its successful debut in Tokyo.
Opening the meeting, Dr. Choue highlighted the growth of Para Taekwondo over the years and spoke of the sport's future.
"Three years ago, we have had a wonderful debut of Para Taekwondo at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. That time only 38 countries participated, but this time we have 52 countries plus refugees and AIN athletes - altogether making 121 athletes."
"I believe that you all remember the first edition of Para Taekwondo World Championships in 2009, in Baku, Azerbaijan - which was participated by just 15 nations. We had to work very hard to bring more countries to participate and since then it has grown.
"After the sport's successful debut in Tokyo, IPC decided to include more medal events which is even bigger than Olympic Games. This also indicates that Para Taekwondo is growing fast. But this wouldn't have been possible without your devotion and contribution," he stressed on the hard work and effort put by the World Taekwondo to raise the level of the sport in terms of participation and competition etc.
Future of Para Taekwondo
Dr. Choue also spoke of the future of Para Taekwondo including the possibility of inclusion of Para Poomsae at LA 2028 Games, FISU World University Games and European Games in future.
"The referee seminar in Santorini, Greece was very successful. I believe the international referees are ready to conduct most fair and transparent competition in these Paralympic Games. So you must trust our referees."
He concluded praising the venue and its beauty. "Grand Palais is special, it's the best venues we ever had in the Olympic history. I don't think we will have another Taekwondo venue like this. Just enjoy the competition and best wishes to all."
Technical delegate Chelbat added: "We signed in the field of play today and we took a tour of the venue, went through every detail; we are very satisfied and confident of great success. The venue is magnificent, most beautiful - it's a piece of art and we are very blessed to have our sport competed at this venue."
