September 2, 2024
ULAANBAATAR – On the opening day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Surenjav Ulambayar, a member of the Mongolian national team, made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s K44-52 kg para-taekwondo category.
U.Surenjav showcased her exceptional skills by defeating Salma Ali Abd Al Monim Hassan of Egypt, the 2023 World Cup silver medalist, with a score of 7-5 in the quarter-finals. She then triumphed over 2023 world champion Jessica Garcia Quijano of Mexico, winning 13-5 in the semi-finals. In the final, she claimed victory against Iran’s Zahra Rahimi, securing Mongolia’s first gold in taekwondo.
U. Surenjav, a 24-year old, has previously won a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games and a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships. This marks her first Paralympic medal, a significant achievement for her and for Mongolia.
This is Mongolia’s third gold medal at the Paralympic Games, the first in taekwondo, and the first for a female athlete.
The K44 category in taekwondo is specifically for athletes with impairments in both hands or parts of one hand, affecting their movement.