Who can compete in para taekwondo?
A · Advanced · Athletes and equipment · 1 of 1Athletes must be 16 in the tournament year, entered by a recognised national association, and hold a para dan, a 5th to 1st geup or a WT Global Athlete Licence. They must have international classification, with class K41 or K44 and a status; new athletes are classified a day or two before competing. Not Eligible athletes cannot compete.
How it works
- Age: 16 in the tournament year.
- Entry: a recognised national association.
- Grade: dan, 5th to 1st geup or a WT licence.
- Classification: one to two days before competition.
- New athletes: classified before competing.
- Medical form: sent in beforehand.
- NE or CNC: cannot compete.
- Class change: results handled by direction.
The glossary has the contestant eligibility (para taekwondo), the international athlete classification (para taekwondo), the first appearance (para taekwondo), the sport classes K41 and K44, the contest results (para taekwondo) and the World Taekwondo.
Tricky cases
An athlete turns 16 in December. Can they fight in March?
Yes. The year counts, not the date.
An athlete is moved up a class after the first bout. Result?
The win is not recognised; the opponent advances by CSC.
An athlete is moved down a class. Are medals kept?
Yes, but no ranking points.
Is a lone entry in a division still fought?
A demonstration match may be arranged for classification.
Why the rule exists
Classification must come first so contests are fair from the first bout. The direction rule protects opponents who fought someone misclassified.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Moved up | Results void, CSC | 9.3 |
| Moved down | Results kept, no points | 9.3 |
| Not Eligible | Cannot compete | 9.2.2 |
From the rule book
World Taekwondo, Para Taekwondo Competition Rules (23 October 2025), articles 4.1, 5.2, 9 and 17.10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WT Para Taekwondo Competition Rules.