Aruna Tanwar All Set To Be India's First-Ever Taekwondo Competitor At Tokyo Paralympics

The Taekwondo Federation of India announced on June 9th, that Aruna Tanwar has been granted a wild card entry to the Tokyo Paralympic Games, making her the first Indian Taekwondo athlete to compete in the global sport event.

Aruna obtained the wild card entry based on her "exemplary past performances," according to Indian Taekwondo president, Namdev Shirgaonkar. "She is the first Indian athlete to qualify for the Paralympics in Taekwondo. This has paved the way for all aspiring athletes, particularly female athletes, to pursue careers in this field," he said in a statement issued to the media.

He further added, "We thank the World Taekwondo for the consideration and PCI for this opportunity. Indian Taekwondo has extended all support for her preparation for Tokyo Paralympics and have also recommended her name for TOPS for extended necessary support to make the dream of Paralympic medal a reality."

In the women's U-49 division, Aruna is currently ranked fourth in the world. She is a five-time national champion who has been on the podium at both the Asian and World Para Taekwondo Championships in the last four years, according to the press release.

The Paralympic Games in Tokyo will take place from August 24th to September 5th.