TAI’AN, China (Mar. 17, 2024) - The Asian Qualification for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was marked by ecstacy, excitement and full of promise.

 

Seven nations secured 10 spots, on offer in Tai’ian city, China, at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with Nepal, India and Philippines earning the quota places in a qualification event for the first time in the history of the sport.

 

While there were some comfortable wins, there were nail-biting encounters too stealing the shows as athletes book spots for their countries in the multi-sport extravaganza.

 

In Men K44 -80kg, Philippines’ Allain Keanu Ganapin defeated Sandeep Singh Maan of India 25:13 to claim the one quota on offer in the category.

 

The women’s events were even more electrifying as Nepal’s Palesha Goverdhan won a close contest against Iran’s Leila Mirzaee 5:4 to qualify for Paris 2024 Games.

 

Goverdhan, the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games bronze medallist, is already eyeing a gold medal at Paris 2024.

 

“This will be my second time competing in the Paralympics, following Tokyo 2020. I am filled with excitement for Paris 2024! I am putting in the work with a positive mindset, feeling optimistic about earning a spot. I believe this upcoming experience will be even more incredible,” said Goverdhan, who has won a bipartite slot for Tokyo 2020 Games.

 

Aruna, who also has a bronze medal at Asian Para Games 2022, clinched the quota place for India in Women K44 -47kg.

 

“I have no words how happy I am, I just hope that I can bring a medal for India in the Paralympics. The tournament was great. Whatever I learned at Tokyo 2020, I am working on myself as much as possible on my training. Paris 2024 is very important for me and I am looking to getting a medal there,” an elated Aruna said after earning the quota.

 

Among others who build on their success at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games was China’s Yao Yinan who overcame a strong challenge from Kazakhstan’s Mariam Salimgereeva 5:4 in Women K44 -65kg.

 

Meanwhile, Hangzhou 2022 bronze medallists from Thailand, Thanwa Kaenkham (Men K44 -58kg), Tanapan Sotthiset (Men K44 -70kg) claimed a spot for their nations looking ahead for success in Paris. Other gold medallists in Tai’an city were Dongho Lee (KOR) - Men K44 -63kg,  Ludong Liu (CHN) - Men K44 +80kg, Aylar Jami (IRI) -Women K44 -52kg and Jiraporn Wongsuwan (THA) - Women K44 +65kg.