PARIS, France (Aug 30, 2023) - The World Taekwondo Grand Prix is returning to Paris this week with the world’s best athletes set to fight for gold and vital Paris 2024 qualification points in the city which will host the Olympic Games in less than a year’s time.

While the competition venue, Palais des sports, will be different from next year’s Olympic Grand Palais venue, 255 of the best athletes will be given a flavour of what it is like to compete in the Olympic city. Athletes will represent 59 countries plus a Refugee Team, with Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) also set to take part. A total of 223 officials will officiate the event ensuring the highest standards of refereeing.

As ever, the Grand Prix will feature a host of Olympic and World Champions all on the hunt for World Grand Prix titles and Olympic qualification. Among the top ranked athletes in each of the eight weight categories are: Olympic silver medallist Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi from Tunisia (M-58kg), Tokyo 2020 Champion Ulugbek Rashitov of Uzbekistan (M-68kg), Olympic bronze medallist Seif Eissa of Egypt (M-80kg), Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Adriana Cerezo Iglesias of Spain (W-49kg), 2022 World Champion Zongshi Luo of China (W-57kg), and France’s reigning World Champions Magda Wiet Henin (W-67kg) and Althea Laurin (W+67kg).

These established stars will be joined by some of the hottest prospects in Taekwondo who secured their place at the Grand Prix via the Dakar Grand Prix Challenge on 28-29 July. A total of 16 athletes, 12 from 7 countries and 4 AIN earned their spots via Dakar.