Morocco's Rajae Akermach Secures Bronze in Para-Taekwondo at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Morocco’s Rajae Akermach clinched the bronze medal in the +65 kg category (K44) para-taekwondo event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games yesterday. This victory marks a significant milestone for Morocco, adding to the nation's growing medal tally at the prestigious event.

Akermach secured her place on the podium after a thrilling match against Brazil's Debora Menezes, winning with a score of 24-15 in the second round of the repechage. This achievement follows Ayoub Adouich's earlier bronze medal win in para-taekwondo, further solidifying Morocco's standing in the sport.

In a statement to MAP, Akermach expressed her excitement about winning the medal, highlighting the second bronze for Moroccan para-taekwondo athletes in Paris. Earlier in the competition, Akermach faced a setback when she was defeated by Britain’s Amy Truesdale in the quarterfinal match, with a score of 30-9.

In another triumph for Morocco, track athlete Fatima Zahra El Idrissi clinched the silver medal in yesterday's women’s 1500-meter (T13) event. El Idrissi achieved a personal best time of 4 minutes and 22.98 seconds, securing her place on the podium. The gold medal went to Ethiopia's Tigist Gezahagn Menigstu, who finished in 4:22.39, while the bronze was claimed by American Liza Corso with a time of 4:23.45.

Earlier in the competition, Moroccan athletes Aymane El Haddaoui and Ayoub Adouich earned bronze medals in the men’s 100 meters (T47) for track, as well as para-taekwondo (K44) events, respectively.

With this latest achievement, Morocco's medal count at the Paris Paralympics now totals four, comprising one silver and three bronze. This is a notable improvement from the prior Moroccan Olympic delegation.

Since its debut at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, Morocco has accumulated a total of 38 medals: 16 gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze. Of these, 34 medals have been won in para-athletics.

This ongoing success underscores Morocco's commitment to excellence in para-sports and reflects the nation's dedication to supporting its athletes on the global stage. As the Paris 2024 Paralympics continue, Morocco looks forward to further achievements and the continued growth of its para-athletes.