Ganapin to make most of biggest chance by fighting pressure-free

Taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin. PSC PHOTO

PARIS—Allain Ganapin isn’t about to put a burden on himself despite bungled opportunities in two of his biggest tournaments before this one.

On Saturday, Ganapin would like to deflect the overwhelming atmosphere at Grand Palais, the iconic Parisian museum where men’s taekwondo action of the 17th Paralympic Games will be held.

“My desire is to perform properly, and I can only do that if I don’t put [too much] pressure on myself,’’ said Ganapin, who, depending on the luck of the draw in his division where only 12 bets are entered, could be in the gold medal match of the 80-kilogram K44 category after just three victories.

The 26-year-old from Marikina City should have been on his second straight Paralympic Games, only to be infected by the COVID-19 virus prior to his trip to the 2021 Tokyo edition of the quadrennial showpiece featuring the finest physically challenged athletes in the world.

Ganapin, the first Filipino jin to qualify for these Games, absorbed another heart-breaker after his disqualification at the Asian Para Games last year in Hangzhou, China, for hitting his opponent in the head.

Sparring partner

“We are preparing him for four matches, but if he luckily draws a bye, Allain could advance to the quarterfinals outright,’’ said coach Gershon Bautista, who brought along taekwondo coach August dela Cruz to also be Ganapin’s sparring partner.

“Right now, we are focusing on Allain’s technique and recovery along with his sparring. I can honestly say that Allain’s condition is much better,’’ said Bautista, who is also hopeful of seeing Ganapin in the finals, again, depending on the draw, after just two wins.

“My coach told me that if I fight with a relaxed attitude, it’s easier to earn a point. That’s my mindset right now. One match at a time,’’ said Ganapin, whose right arm is amputated up to his elbow due to a congenital disorder.

Ganapin has been part of the national squad since 2015, capturing a bronze medal in the 2017 Oceania Para Taekwondo Open in Auckland, New Zealand, that still stands out as one of the highlights of his career.

The twin disappointments in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games and the 2023 Asian Para Games have only made Ganapin crave for victory.