Para poomsae has not featured as part of the World Para Taekwondo Championships programme for four years due to the coronavirus pandemic, so their return at the World Trade Centre Halls was eagerly anticipated.

The award for Best Male athlete went to Justin Rankin of the United States, who won the male senior II A-class P53 division.

The Best Female athlete award went to Senaoa Halelouich of Croatia, who won a second World Championship title.

The home crowd were able to celebrate a gold medal for 17-year-old Gabriel Josafat Solano Castillo, who burst into tears after winning the men’s A-class P23 title.

Reflecting on his win Solano Castillo said: "It was very emotional to compete in front of a home crowd at this big stage.

"It was the most important moment in my career as my family was also here today."

Among the other winners, the men’s A-class P34 crown went to Peru’s Hervert Gabriel Alcalde Masias, while Britain’s Bradley Brockies won the men’s A-class P21 title.

The men’s A-class P22 title was won by Stipe Baric of Croatia, while in the women’s A-class P21 category Kathryn Baxter of the United States impressed on her way to winning gold.

Finally, in the women’s II A-class P21 category Colombian Jhormary Rojas was elated after her victory.

The Para poomsae discipline does not currently feature at the Paralympic Games, although World Taekwondo secretary general Jeongkang Seo, who attended competition in Veracruz, said he was hopeful this would change.

"Today we show a lot of potential from these athletes," said Seo.

"A lot of touching stories and moments behind.

"We have a great future of Para poomsae in the Paralympic programme with a solid system in place.

"Soon, we are very confident to see Para poomsae in the Paralympic programme."

A total of 71 athletes from 18 nations competed in the Para poomsae events, with competition due to begin in the kyorugi discipline tomorrow.