PARIS, France (Aug.29, 2024) - The iconic Grand Palais dazzled with the deafening roar of the crowd as three gold medals were awarded on the opening day of the Para Taekwondo competitions at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

 

Two nations - Israel and Mongolia - picked up their first Paralympic gold medals while Peru kept her title from Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

 

But the evening belonged to Zakia Khudadadi, representing the Refugee Paralympic Team, as she took the bronze medal in Women K44 -47kg, making her the first Refugee Paralympic Team athlete to win a medal at Paris.

 

"I am so, so happy, because this medal is my dream, and today I made the dream come true. I will continue for Los Angeles (2028 Paralympic Games), but right now I'm just so excited for this medal. I also have to thank my coach, who has been exceptional in helping me," said an emotional Khudadadi, who won the Paralympic medal at her new home - France where she lives and trains in now.

 

Khudadadi, the 2023 European champion, lost her quarterfinal against Uzbekistan's eventual silver medallist Ziyodakhon Isakova, but came back strong with a 9-1 win against Turkiye's Nurcihan Ekinci in the repechage round.

 

Later IPC President Andrew Parsons and Filippo Grandi, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees awarded her with Paralympic bronze.

 

This is the first Paralympics that Para Taekwondoins are competing in front of crowd and they made the most of it with stellar performances to remember at the antique, glass-roofed iconic venue that was almost a full house.

 

Earlier, legendary actor Jackie Chan kicked off the Para Taekwondo competition tapping the Coup the Baton on the floor while three-time Olympic medalist Mexican Maria del Rosario Espinoza graced the afternoon session at Grand Palais.

 

Leonor Angelica ESPINOZA CARRANZA (PER) vs. Ziyodakhon ISAKOVA  (UZB) (W K44 -47kg)

Espinoza Carranza didn't look the favourite coming into the final with the likes of Isakova and Thailand's Khwansuda Phuangkitcha in the line-up. But she rode on her Tokyo 2020 gold medal show to beat in-form Isakova 10-4 in the finals.

 

"I feel very happy, very content. Today I was quite anxious at the beginning... I knew people were watching me. My goal was nothing less than winning gold again," said the Peru fighter who became the Para Taekwondoin to defend her title in Paris. Phuangkitcha took the other bronze medal.

 

Surenjav ULAMBAYAR (MGL) vs Zahra RAHIMI (IRI) (W K44 -52kg)

It was an emotional moment for Surenjav Ulambayar as she claimed Mongolia's first Paralympic gold in the sport, defeating a spirited Zahra Rahimi from Iran 5-2.

 

Having already defeating the reigning world champion from Mexico, Jessica Garcia Quijano, Ulambayar loooked confident and determined to clinch the title and she did so in style.

 

"I trained really hard every day, looking for this medal and this podium (finish). It was hard work, but I just came for this gold medal," said the 24-yearold from Mongolia.

 

Asaf Yasur (ISR) vs Ali Can Ozcan (TUR) (M K44 -58kg)

In the only men's final of the day, Yasur lived up to his promise of claiming the Paralympic gold defeating Türkiye's top player Ali Can Ozcan 19-12. The Israeli player was the favourite entering the final after his two gold medals at the World Para Championships.

 

He rode on his confidence and quick footwork to win crucial points even as Ozcan made several penalty that cost him dear. "It's the best feeling. It was my biggest dream and I did it. I've worked hard for this, to be in this position. A big thank you to my family, my coach and all my team," said Yasur.

 

The Para Taekwondo competition at Grand Palais continues with the M K44 -63kg, M K44 -70kg, W K44 -57kg, W K44 -65kg categories on August 30.