(Aug. 22, 2024) - From quick foot works to spinning kicks, day two is expected to witness an incredible display of technique, skill and speed at the Para Taekwondo events at Grand Palais on August 30.

 

In the second edition of the series, we focus on the women’s events – W K44-57kg and W K44-65kg – weight categories to feature on Day 2 of the competitions.

 

Women K44-57kg

Silvana Mayara Cardoso Fernandes (BRA)

One of the most accomplished players in the category, Fernandes would be the favourite to take the W K44-58kg title. With a series of five titles in the six events she played last year, Fernandes have had a remarkable last season – laced by World Championships title and Parapan American Games gold. A consistent winner in Grand Prix series, the world no. 1 player would be eager to turn her Tokyo 2020 bronze into gold in Paris.

 

Gamze Gurdal (TUR)

A top performer in the Turkish women’s team, Gurdal will be eager to taste the Paralympic glory after her fifth-place finish at Tokyo. The world no. 2 is the reigning European champion and two-time silver medallist at the World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix Finals.

 

Caverzan Sophie (FRA)

When Sophie takes the mat at Grand Palais, all eyes of France will be upon her. A regular performer in Grand Prix, continental and World Para Taekwondo Championships, the French athlete will be keen to win her first Paralympic podium at home.

 

Kamilya Dosmalova (KAZ)

She is one of the senior most players in the category and seems to be in form after her golden campaign at the World Para Taekwondo Open Challenge in Chuncheon, Korea last month. The Kazakh player was a silver medallist at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games and a bronze medallist at the 2021 Worlds.

 

Women K44-65kg

Ana Carolina Silva de Moura (BRA)

The 27-year-old Brazilian has emerged as a top contender for the gold medal after her incredible campaigns at the Veracruz 2023 World Championships and Santiago 2023 Parapan Am Games. Her growing rivalry with Munro will be one of the highlights in the category.

 

Beth Munro (GBR)

The 30-year-old from Liverpool has been a consistent performer in Grand Prix series winning three gold last year besides the European Championships gold. With her confidence and grit, Munro has made a huge fan following over the years; she would be aiming to improve her Tokyo 2020 silver medal show in Paris.  

 

Lisa Kjaer (DEN)

The Dane is a legend in the sport having won the World and European Championships multiple times. In Tokyo 2020, she added the Paralympic gold to her glittering cabinet, cementing her legendary status. The 46-year-old will be keen to put up a stellar show, after her gold at Paris 2023 Grand Prix.

 

Christina Gkentzou (GRE)

The Greek athlete will be the dark horse in the category. She came out of nowhere to win the W K44-65kg gold medal at the World Para Taekwondo Open Challenge in Chuncheon, Korea, which also included a win over Munro in the semi-finals. Gkentzou also won the gold medal at the 2024 European Para Taekwondo Championships.