Brazilian Para-taekwondo star Silvana Fernandes has signed a sponsorship deal with sportswear giant Nike ©Getty Images

Brazilian Para-taekwondo star Silvana Fernandes has signed a sponsorship deal with sportswear giant Nike.

The deal is a boost to Fernandes' preparations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where taekwondo is due to be on the sports programme for the second time.

Reigning world champion Fernandes won a bronze medal in the women's 58 kilograms division when the sport debuted on the Paralympic stage at Tokyo 2020.

She lost in the semi-finals to eventual gold medallist Lisa Gjessing of Denmark, but recovered to defeat Gamze Gürdal of Turkey in a repechage contest for a bronze medal.

Silvana Fernandes is a reigning world champion and Paralympic bronze medallist ©World Para Taekwondo
Silvana Fernandes is a reigning world champion and Paralympic bronze medallist ©World Para Taekwondo

Fernandes helped Brazil top the Tokyo 2020 medal table in Para-taekwondo as the South American nation ended with one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

"The signing will add to the strength and grace of the fighter who would be looking to better the colour of her medal in Paris," World Para Taekwondo said.

"The 23-year-old will be looking to defend her Worlds title in the women's under-58kg when she competes in the World Para Taekwondo Championships 2023 before the Parapan Am Games in November 2023."