The 6th WTF World Para-Taekwondo Championships drew to a close last night in Samsun, having drawn a record number of participants and further reflected para-taekwondo’s growing popularity around the world.
Russia topped the overall medals table, taking home both the male and female titles at the one-day event which was held in the world-class Yasar Dogu Spor Salonu venue. Overall, the medals were distributed among 21 countries showcasing the sport’s strength in depth.
In the male division, Russia took two gold medals, one silver medal and three bronze medals for a total of 60 points for the top honours, followed by Azerbaijan with two golds, one silver and three bronzes for 41 points. The third place went to Iran, with two golds, one silver and one bronze for 39 points.
In the female category, Russia took home two golds, one silver and one bronze for 30 points and the overall female team crown. Hosts, Turkey finished second with one gold, two silvers and one bronze for 23 points, followed by Azerbaijan with one gold and one bronze for 13 points.
Denmark’s Lisa Gjessing, who won gold in the K44 -58kg, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) while Turkey's Fatih Celik, the silver medalist in the male K44 A -75kg division, was chosen as the male MVP.
Speaking after presenting the final medals in Samsun, WTF President Chungwon Choue, said:
"This has been a truly spectacular competition. I would like to thank the city of Samsun, the staff and volunteers of the organising committee; but, most importantly, the athletes for making this such a special event. Today we have seen more athletes compete across more classes than at any para-taekwondo event before. Many countries were represented for the very first time. This is a testament to the significant global growth we are seeing in our sport each year.
"2015 has been a special year for our sport with the announcement of para-taekwondo’s inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games sports programme. Five years from now many of the athletes who have competed here today will be marching under their national flags into the arena in Tokyo and many will be wearing Paralympic medals around their necks. This will be one of the proudest moments in the WTF’s history and a true confirmation of taekwondo as a sport for all."
For more information, contact:
Justin Shea
+44 7917 825412
sg@wtf.org
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