Nepali-born Australian para taekwondo athlete Srijana Ghising won gold at the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix in Muju, South Korea. She defeated four ranked opponents in the women’s K44 under-47kg division without losing a round.
The result delivered Australia its first World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix gold medal. It also placed Ghising among the leading athletes in her weight class.
How Srijana Ghising Won Para Grand Prix Gold
Ghising began the knockout stage with a 2–0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Kizlarkhon Isomidinova, ranked 11th in the world. The win reversed Ghising’s loss to Isomidinova in the 13th Türkiye Open final in April.
She then beat world number one Claudia Romero of Mexico 2–0 in the quarterfinal. That was the defining result of her campaign because it removed the tournament’s highest-ranked athlete.
In the semifinal, Ghising defeated sixth-ranked Zakia Khudadadi of France 2–0. Khudadadi won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Ghising completed the tournament with another 2–0 victory against Thailand’s world number two Khwansuda Phuangkitcha in the final. Phuangkitcha was also a 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist.
Why This Gold Medal Matters
This was not a fortunate draw. Ghising beat athletes ranked first, second, sixth and 11th in the world, including two Paralympic medallists.
Her four consecutive 2–0 victories showed tactical control and consistency under pressure. Beating one elite opponent can be an upset; beating four in succession is championship form.
The medal also carries significance for two sporting communities. Ghising developed her international reputation through Nepali para taekwondo before moving to Australia around three years before this victory and receiving Australian citizenship in June 2026.
Srijana Ghising’s Medal Record
Ghising’s earlier results include silver at the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games, silver at the 2022 World Taekwondo President’s Cup and bronze at the Iran Open.
She also won a World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix gold in Saudi Arabia in 2022 after defeating Türkiye’s Meryem Betül Çavdar 12–0 in the final.
In 2025, Ghising collected gold medals at the G2 Australian Open in the K44 under-52kg category and the G3 World Taekwondo President’s Cup Oceania in the K44 under-47kg category. She later earned silver at the Asian Para President’s Cup.
A Performance That Demands Attention
Srijana Ghising’s Para Grand Prix gold is historic because of both the medal and the route she took to win it. Australia gained its first gold at this level, while Nepal’s para-sport community saw another athlete with Nepali roots succeed on the world stage.
Ghising did not merely reach the top of the podium. She dismantled the strongest section of the field without conceding a round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did Srijana Ghising win?
She won gold in the women’s K44 under-47kg division at the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix.
Where was the Para Grand Prix held?
The competition took place in Muju, South Korea.
Who did Srijana Ghising defeat in the final?
She defeated Thailand’s Khwansuda Phuangkitcha, the world number two and a 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist, by 2–0.
Why was Ghising’s gold historic for Australia?
It was Australia’s first gold medal at a World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix.
Is Srijana Ghising Nepali or Australian?
Ghising is a Nepali-born para taekwondo athlete who moved to Australia and later received Australian citizenship. Her career is connected to both countries’ taekwondo communities.