FILIPINO para-taekwondo athlete Allan Ganapin could not believe it himself.
“God’s plan is always unpredictable,” the Marikina City native said after finding himself staring at another crack at the Paralympics after missing out on the action in Tokyo.
Ganapin etched his name on the roster for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games after a successful stint at the Asian Qualification Tournament held in Tai’an, China.
Ganapin showcased his prowess in the men’s K44 -80kg event, winning over India’s Sandeep Singh Maan in the final match, 25-13.
His journey to this triumph has been marked by challenges, including missing out on the previous Paralympic Games in Tokyo due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis while in the Japanese capital.
Ganapin suffered from a congenital disorder resulting in the amputation of his right arm to the elbow.
He thanked Grandmaster Sung Chon Hong for “trusting me to perform in this qualification event. And to Sir Rock Samson, thank you for your wor ds of wisdom.”
Joining fellow Filipino para-athletes Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom, Ganapin will proudly represent the Philippines on the global stage of para-sports.