Para Taekwondo’s star continues to rise on the global stage as the sport experienced a remarkable 70% surge in viewership during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, according to figures released by the International Paralympic Committee. This significant increase in audience numbers reflects the growing global appetite for Para sports and cements Para Taekwondo’s place as a major force within the Paralympic movement.
Having made its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 with just six medal events, the sport returned to Paris 2024 with an expanded programme of 10 medal events and a boosted athlete quota from 72 to 120, milestones that reflect the sport’s rapid development and increasing inclusivity.
The competitions were staged at the iconic Grand Palais, where the world’s top Para Taekwondo athletes delivered thrilling performances in front of enthusiastic crowds and a record number of global viewers. Para Taekwondo was one of nine sports to enjoy record cumulative TV audiences at the Games, illustrating its expanding reach and resonance with fans worldwide.
A TRULY GLOBAL STAGE
A total of 52 National Paralympic Committees took part in Para Taekwondo at Paris 2024, alongside two Neutral Paralympic Athletes and two athletes from the Refugee Paralympic Team. Impressively, 19 nations made their debut in the sport, showcasing Para Taekwondo’s increasing global footprint.
The medal table told a story of international growth and competitive diversity. Medals were distributed across 23 NPCs, along with one medal won by a Neutral Paralympic Athlete and a historic bronze for the Refugee Paralympic Team. The latter was earned by Zakia Khudadadiin the women’s K44 -47kg event, marking the Refugee Team’s first-ever medal. Khudadadi’s inspiring journey and athletic achievement earned her the International Women’s Day Recognition Award in the Emerging Leader category last month.
2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Grand Palais, Paris, France
World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue hailed the sport’s achievements: “The remarkable growth in the viewership of Para Taekwondo at the Paralympic Games is testament to the resilience of our athletes, who produced a remarkable competition with exciting matches and incredible performances. World Taekwondo remains fully committed to further developing Para Taekwondo around the world in the coming years, and looks forward to even greater success at the Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028.”
The sport’s future looks bright with its confirmed inclusion as a medal sport at the 2027 FISU World University Games in Chungcheong, opening new opportunities for student athletes with disabilities.
PARIS 2024
Para Taekwondo’s success is part of a broader media milestone achieved by the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event shattered broadcasting records, with global live viewership up 83% compared to Tokyo 2020 and internet searches related to the Games breaking the one billion barrier for the first time.
A staggering 12,941 hours of coverage were broadcast globally, including 10,428 hours of live sport—an increase of 48% from Tokyo and 154% from Rio 2016. According to Nielsen Sports, 763.3 million hours of live content were consumed by audiences, confirming the Games’ status as the most widely watched Paralympics in history.
The reach was amplified by a record 225 Media Rights Holders and platforms, ensuring that viewers across all continents had access to the action. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies each attracted their largest live audiences ever.
Mike Peters, CEO of the IPC, emphasized the magnitude of these achievements: “Paris 2024 broke pretty much every Paralympic broadcasting record. The increase in live hours consumed by viewers and the breadth of coverage across platforms is a testament to the growing interest and attraction of the Paralympic Games.”
Jon Stainer, Global General Manager of Nielsen Sports, echoed the sentiment: “This record-breaking amount of consumption is a sign of the growing appetite of consumers around the world for Para sport. These figures act as a perfect platform for commercial and fan growth ahead of Milano Cortina 2026 and LA28.”
