Para Taekwondo

Para Taekwondo is a dynamic Korean martial art and the fastest-growing sport in the Paralympic Movement, now practiced in over 100 countries. Athletes compete 1-on-1 on an 8-meter octagonal mat, using powerful kicks, tactical punches and agile footwork to outmaneuver their opponents. In this adaptive form of Taekwondo, athletes are classified based on the type and level of their impairment and compete in weight classes. The Paralympic Games will see the K44 classification which is for athletes with an upper limb impairment in one or both arms. Matches follow a best-of-three-round format, with each round scored based on technique, accuracy and impact. Para Taekwondo made its Games debut at Tokyo 2020, becoming the second full-contact sport to be included in the Paralympic program—a significant milestone in the global recognition of Para martial arts. At the Paris 2024 Games, Para Taekwondo was the first sport in which the Refugee Paralympic Team won a medal and LA28 is excited to welcome more history-making and game-changing moments.