On Tuesday 15th September 2015, the 6th World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) World Para-Taekwondo Championships will begin in Samsun, Turkey. Over three days of competition, athletes from all over the world will begin their quest for world ranking points in preparation for their recently confirmed inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Athletes from Kyorugi classes 41-44, as recognized by IWAS, for athletes with a physical impairment will be competing. Following their first inclusion at the WTF 5th World Para-Taekwondo World Championships last year, Poomsae classes P31 – P34, for athletes with an intellectual disability will also once again be included.

Classification opportunities for athletes and a WTF International Classifiers Seminar at the Championships will also further drive the development of the sport.

Dr MetinSahin, President of the Turkish Taekwondo Federation and hosts of the World Championships said:

‘The 6th WTF World Para-Taekwondo Championships will be one of the most significant steps on the road to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.  Here come the Champions!’

Following a Para-Taekwondo demonstration at the IWAS World Junior Games in 2014, IWAS is delighted to include Para Taekwondo as a competition sport in the IWAS World Games 2015 in Sochi, Russia (26 September – 3 October).