India’s taekwondo campaign faced a significant setback at the Paris Paralympics as Aruna Tanwar endured a heavy 0-19 defeat in the women’s K44-47kg category on Thursday. Competing in the round of 16, Tanwar was up against Turkey’s Nurcihan Ekinci, who dominated the bout from start to finish.
Tough Match Against Turkish Opponent
Tanwar, who had shown promise in the earlier qualification rounds, found it challenging to cope with Ekinci’s aggressive strategy. The Turkish athlete exploited Tanwar’s defensive gaps, scoring points with consistent body kicks. Ekinci registered nine successful body kicks during the five-minute round, each earning two points, while Tanwar was unable to score any points.
In addition to the kicks, Tanwar also conceded a penalty point (known as gam-jeom), which further widened the gap on the scoreboard. The final score stood at 0-19, marking a difficult end to Tanwar’s Paralympic journey.
Understanding the K44 Category and Para Taekwondo Rules
Para taekwondo, which made its Paralympic debut at the Tokyo Games in 2021, has specific rules to accommodate the varying abilities of athletes. The K44 category, in which Tanwar competed, is designed for athletes with impairments in one arm above the elbow.
Unlike traditional Olympic taekwondo, para taekwondo prohibits head kicks and punches, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. Athletes wear protective gear, including sensor socks that register contact on the opponent’s torso, making scoring more accurate. Points are awarded based on the type of kick, with regular kicks earning two points, turning kicks three points, and spinning kicks four points.
Challenges Faced by Aruna Tanwar
Despite her best efforts, Tanwar struggled to find her rhythm against Ekinci. The Turkish athlete’s precision and agility were difficult to counter, and Tanwar’s inability to score highlighted the challenges she faced in the match.
Penalties, or gam-jeom, are given for prohibited actions such as head kicks, grabbing, pushing, low kicks, or stepping out of bounds. Each penalty results in a point for the opponent, which contributed to Tanwar’s defeat.
**Aruna Tanwar’s loss marks a tough day for India’s taekwondo hopes at the Paris Paralympics.** Despite the setback, her participation in the Games remains a significant achievement, reflecting her dedication and determination in the sport.
