India’s Aruna Tanwar, the world Number 4 in the women’s U-49 Taekwondo category has got a wild-card entry in the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020. Thus she also becomes the first Indian to be the part of taekwondo event in the Paralympics.
This comes after India failed to make to the Paralympics qualifiers due to restrictions on Indian traveller due to COVID-19.
“It’s such a great beginning for India taekwondo. This is the first taekwondo athlete from India that has qualified for the Paralympics. This has opened the doors for all the aspiring athletes, especially all the female athletes, that want to be in this position,” said Namdev Shirgaonkar, president of India Taekwondo.
“We are extremely proud of Aruna and are hopeful for a podium finish. India Taekwondo has recommended her name for TOPS (Target Olympics Podium Scheme) for extended necessary support to make the dream of Paralympic medal a reality.”
Tokyo Paralympics will be held from August 24 to September 5.
The president of Paralympic Committee of India, Deepa Malik, said that the para sport is attracting the abled bodies fedeartions.
“The integration of abled bodies athletes and para athletes is commendable owing to the collaboration and merge between PCI and India Taekwondo. Other federations need to follow suit of India Taekwondo to create such great opportunities to athlete, especially female athletes,” she said.
