In the male division, Russia topped the standings with two gold medals, one silver and three bronzes for a total of 60 points, followed by Azerbaijan on 41 and Iran on 39.

Vladislav Krichfalushiy won the K41 under 61 kilogram title at the expense of Morocco’s Abdennour El Fedayni, while fellow Russian Spartak Gazzaev got the better of Poland’s Przemyslaw Wieczorek in the K41 over 75kg final.

In the female category, Russia ensured top honours with two golds, one silver and one bronze for 30 points, and were joined on the podium by Turkey with 23 points and Azerbaijan with 13.

Representing Russia, Sakinat Magomedova and Zaira Irazieva both beat Turkish opposition in their respective K42 under 49kg and K42 over 58kg categories as Nurgul Bilek and Ayse Dudu Karatay had to settle for silver.

The one-day event attracted a record 118 athletes from 34 countries as Para-taekwondo gears up for its first Paralympic appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

A total of 130 athletes from 38 countries had registered to participate in the event, but visa problems, among others, reduced numbers at the last moment.

Denmark's Lisa Gjessing, the gold medallist in the K44 under 58kg category, was selected as the women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Turkey's Fatih Celik, the silver medallist in the K44 under 75kg division, was chosen as the men’s equivalent.

An Opening Ceremony was held prior to the finals, drawing figures such as WTF President Chungwon Choue, Ibrahim Sahin, Governor of Samsun, Bennur Karaburun, Member of Parliament and disabled former athlete, and Metin Sahin, President of the Turkish Taekwondo Federation.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted in January to include taekwondo on the official programme of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, something which Choue made reference to in his opening speech. 

"This is what we have been working for these long years," he said. 

"This was the ultimate result, for the Paralympics are the ultimate event for any Para-athlete.

"And we must celebrate today's Championships together as this is the first Para-championship to be held after this historic decision."

He added: "Five years from now, many of you who are here today will be marching under your national flags into the arena in Tokyo.

"Five years from now, some of you who are here today will be wearing Olympic medals around your necks, and I am confident that you will continue to inspire me as we walk the road to Tokyo together."

Tomorrow, the three-day 2015 WTF Grand Prix Series 2 is set to begin here.  

A key step on the "Road to Rio 2016", the event has attracted 232 athletes from 50 countries.



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September 2015: Samsun all set to host World Para-Taekwondo Championships and World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series 2