The International Canoe Federation (ICF) has announced the finalisation of the Paragliding quota allocation process for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with six nations set to make their debut in the exciting sport. Algeria, Egypt, South Korea, Senegal, Serbia and Thailand will compete for the first time in Paralympic history, adding a new chapter to the growing global inclusion in sport.
A total of 100 athletes representing 30 nations from five continents will gather in Paris in two weeks to compete in the largest Paracanoeing programme ever held at a Paralympic Games. The competition will achieve gender parity, with 50 women and 50 men set to showcase their skills in an event that will feature five men’s and five women’s disciplines. This balance is highlighted by the inclusion of the women’s VL3 category for the first time, ensuring equality across all events.
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The participating countries reflect the geographical diversity of the sport, with nations from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania. Among them, Great Britain leads the field with nine spots, followed by Brazil and Italy, each with eight. Spain, Hungary and Uzbekistan have secured six places, while China and Ukraine will have five representatives each. The host country, France, has secured four places, sharing this number with India and Japan.
John Edwards, chairman of the ICF Paracanoe Committee, highlighted the importance of the sport’s global expansion: ‘This is an exciting time for our sport as paddlers make their final preparations for the Paralympic Games. I am thrilled to see so many nations, particularly from Africa and Asia, secure Paracanoe quotas for the first time. This achievement is the result of sustained efforts through the Paracanoe Development Programme, which has worked diligently in these regions.
Paris 2024 will mark Paracanoe’s third consecutive appearance at the Paralympic Games, following its inclusion at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The competition, which will take place from 6-8 September at the Stade Nautique de Vaires-sur-Marne, promises to deliver high-level sporting action, with fierce racing and an electrifying atmosphere that celebrates the diversity and competitive spirit of the world’s best paddlers.
