Keita opens his Paralympic career with a Paris victory

Idrissa Keita made a winning start to his Paralympic career at Paris 2024, defeating Türkiye's Mehmet Sami Sarac 6–4 after a golden round in the men's K44 over-80kg event. The Senegalese athlete had taken up Para taekwondo less than a year earlier and earned his Games place through the African qualifier in Dakar. Although his next bout ended in defeat, the IPC's profile highlighted the rapid progress produced by intensive training and the support of coach Maitre Abdoulaye Ndiaye.