The sport will make its Games debut in the Japanese capital and Daniel Verbel hopes to fly the flag for his nation.

He has already been selected as the first Panama athlete to compete at a tournament in Costa Rica.

Verbel suffers from hemiparesis which prevented him from walking and moving his right hand.

His doctor recommended that he start practicing taekwondo as part of his therapy.

"I feel great pride and happiness," the 15-year-old told Panamaon.

"I never expected this moment."

Verbel has received support from both the Pan-American Taekwondo Federation and the Panama Paralympic Committee.

"Two years ago we met Daniel through his coach and we saw his development," said Esther Fashka, President of the latter body.

"We made the procedures to participate in Para-taekwondo in conjunction with the national and international federation.

"We are making history by having the first disabled athlete in a combat competition."