Para taekwondo
Para taekwondo is kyorugi, or sparring, for athletes with an impairment. Athletes fight in classes K41 and K44, both for arm impairments, in five weight categories for each gender. A valid kick to the electronic trunk protector scores two and a turning or spinning kick four.
Checked 20 October 2026
New to para taekwondo? Start here
How long
Three rounds of two minutes with a minute's rest; classes K41 and K44
Lengths are from the rule book.
The big events, and why they matter
- 1Paralympic Games (para taekwondo)The top title in para taekwondo.Every 4 years
- 2World Para Taekwondo ChampionshipsThe sport's own world title.Yearly (to check) · Holder: Veracruz 2023; Riffa 2024
- 3Asian Para Games (para taekwondo)Asia's para multi-sport title, held after the Asian Games in the same city.Every 4 years · Holder: 22 sports, 501 events
India
India has no Paralympic medal; Aruna Tanwar qualified for the women's 47 kg in 2024. In the World Championships overall medal table India has 1 gold, 6 silvers and 9 bronzes [the two pages].
- Para taekwondo at the Paralympic Games: No medal; Aruna Tanwar qualified for the women's 47 kg in 2024 through the Asian qualification tournament
- World Para Taekwondo Championships: 1 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze in the overall medal table (23rd)
Countries to know
India and the nations that have done best, biggest titles first.
- UzbekistanPara taekwondo at the Paralympic Games: 2 golds, 2 silvers (latest 2024)
- BrazilPara taekwondo at the Paralympic Games: 2 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronzes (latest 2024)
- Great BritainPara taekwondo at the Paralympic Games: 2 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze (latest 2024)
- TurkeyPara taekwondo at the Paralympic Games: 1 gold, 4 silvers, 2 bronzes (latest 2024)
- PeruPara taekwondo at the Paralympic Games: 2 golds (latest 2024)
Who runs it
| Rules made by | World Taekwondo, Para Taekwondo Competition Rules, 23 October 2025 |
| International federation | World Taekwondo |
| In India | Disputed: the Para Taekwondo Association (India) and India Taekwondo each held trials for the same World Para Taekwondo Championship |
Where and when it is played
The big events: the Paralympic Games every four years and the World Para Taekwondo Championships.