New sports to receive funding as more medals targeted in Tokyo 2020
UK Sport has announced increased investment in new Paralympic medal events of over £2million to strengthen Great Britain's medal ambitions, including funding Para Taekwondo, Para Badminton and Para Canoeing Va'at boat classes. Great Britain's Tokyo Paralympic medal target range has also been increased to 119-168 medals (from 115-162 for Rio 2016).
The high performance funding agency has revealed as part of its annual investment review that athletes in Para Taekwondo and Para Badminton will receive National Lottery support as they enter the Paralympic programme for the first time.
World champion Para Taekwondo fighter Amy Truesdale will lead the charge in Tokyo. While in Para Badminton the British squad showed their potential at the 2017 World Championships and will now receive funding to develop their World Class programme.
The British Wheelchair Rugby team, which won European Gold in 2017 - will also receive a small amount of transitional funding. To support its ambitions to attend the World Championships in Australia this year to allow them to prove their Tokyo medal potential.
Other exciting new chances for medals in Tokyo include the Para Canoe Va'a boat classes. In total, 28 more Paralympic podium level athletes can be funded by the National Lottery, so that the next generation of sports fans can be inspired.
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said:
“Britain is an Olympic and Paralympic powerhouse and this funding announcement shows the depth of medal potential we have across a diverse range of sports.
“Sustained investment from National Lottery players and the government has been fundamental to Team GB and ParalympicsGB's success. It is fantastic news that the likes of BMX, para taekwondo, and sport climbing are now also receiving support to give our athletes the best chance to win medals at Tokyo 2020, make the country proud and inspire many to get involved in sport.”
UK Sport Chief Executive Liz Nicholl said:
“UK Sport’s vision is to inspire the nation through Olympic and Paralympic success. Today’s announcement, following the annual investment review into our summer sports, confirms strong potential to deliver more medal moments from more sports in Tokyo 2020."
