Taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin. PSC PHOTO
Allain Ganapin is back in the Paralympics.
The country’s para taekwondo ace seized the lone continental spot to the 2024 Paris Paralympics after topping the Asian Qualification Tournament held in Tai’an, China.
Ganapin, whose right arm got amputated up to his elbow due to a congenital disorder, subdued India’s Sandeep Singh Maan, 25-13, in the final of the men’s 80-kilogram category to book a trip to the French capital.
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“A big thanks to my grandmaster Sung Chon Hong for trusting me to perform at this qualification event,’’ said Ganapin.
The 25-year-old pride of Marikina City is the third Filipino to qualify for the coming Para Games after swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom.
Bronze medalist
Ganapin saw action in the 2022 Tokyo Paralympics. He qualified in Tokyo through the Asian Qualification Tournament in Amman, Jordan, in 2021 where Ganapin claimed a bronze medal in the men’s K44 -75-kg division.
Ganapin also acknowledged Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary general Rocky Samson.
READ: PH Para athletes look to Paris Paralympics after strong Asian Games stint
“Thank you for your words of wisdom and for sharing your experience before as well as the reminders not only in taekwondo, but also in life,’’ said Ganapin.
He failed to qualify outright since only the winner could gain a Paralympic berth. Ganapin later on received a bipartite invitation to the Games.“I hope there’s more success waiting for us in Paris,’’ said Ganapin in acknowledging coaches Gershon Bautista and Jat Tenorio.