Shrijana Ghising Makes History With Para Taekwondo Gold
Australian Para Taekwondo has a new history-maker. Shrijana Ghising won gold at the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix in Muju, South Korea. It is Australia's first-ever gold medal at a World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix. Australian Taekwondo shared the news on 10 September.
Her run to the title was remarkable. She faced four world-class opponents and did not drop a single round, winning every match 2-0. Two of the athletes she defeated were bronze medallists at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
In the round of 16, she defeated world number 11 Kizlarkhon Isomiddinova of Uzbekistan. In the quarter-final, she met Claudia Romero of Mexico, the world number 1 in the K44 F-47 division, and won again. Her semi-final was against world number 6 Zakia Khudadadi of France. In the gold medal match, she beat world number 2 Khwansuda Phuangkitcha of Thailand to finish the event unbeaten.
Coach Jerry Moraitis guided her through the tournament. Australian Taekwondo called the win a major coaching milestone as well as a personal triumph, built on careful preparation, strong strategy and the ability to perform when it counted most.
The result also links to the past. It is Australia's first gold at a major World Taekwondo para event since Steven Currie won World Championship titles in 2010 and 2013. Currie and his coach, Bernie Victor, were pioneers who helped lay the foundations for the sport in Australia.
For a sport that is still growing in the country, the gold sets a new benchmark. It also shows what Australian para athletes can achieve on the world stage.
