Para-taekwondo athletes qualify for the Paralympic Games through a series of competitions and rankings. In order to earn a spot in the Paralympic Games, athletes must meet specific criteria set by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
World Rankings
One of the main ways para-taekwondo athletes qualify for the Paralympic Games is through their world rankings. The WTF maintains a ranking system that assigns points to athletes based on their performance in international competitions. Athletes earn points based on their results in designated events, with higher points awarded for higher-level competitions such as World Championships and Grand Prix events. The top-ranked athletes in each weight category are granted automatic qualification spots for the Paralympic Games.
Continental Qualification Tournaments
Another way for para-taekwondo athletes to qualify for the Paralympic Games is through continental qualification tournaments. Each continent hosts its own qualification tournament where athletes compete for spots in the Paralympic Games. The winners of these tournaments earn direct qualification, while additional spots may be allocated based on world rankings or other criteria.
Wildcard Entries
In some cases, para-taekwondo athletes may qualify for the Paralympic Games through wildcard entries. Wildcard entries are granted by the IPC to athletes who have not qualified through the standard qualification process but have shown exceptional talent or potential. These entries are limited in number and are typically reserved for athletes from countries with limited representation in the sport.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Regardless of the qualification pathway, all para-taekwondo athletes must meet certain minimum eligibility criteria to compete in the Paralympic Games. These criteria are set by the IPC and may include factors such as classification, citizenship, and anti-doping compliance. Athletes must also adhere to the WTF’s rules and regulations regarding eligibility and competition.