Rwanda taekwondo national team start their bid for medals at the Hanmadang International Taekwondo Festival today, a world-class championship that runs till August 2 in Pyeongtaek City, South Korea.

The seven-athlete team coached by Master Joang Ji-Man left the country for South Korea on Monday aboard Qatar Airways.

According to Rwanda Taekwondo Federation (RTF) secretary general, Placide Bagabo, players will acquire knowledge, skills and experience at the four-day competition.

"We expect our athletes to learn a lot from the tournament including martial art knowledge and skills. The experience earned can benefit the national team in the forthcoming Ambassador’s Cup next month and at the All Africa Games in September,” said the former national team captain Bagabo.

Rwanda will be making her debut at the 24th edition of the annual global multi-category championships organized at the World Taekwondo Headquarters also known as Kukkiwon.

Regis Iyumva captains the team that includes Benon Kayitare, Junior Rugambwa, Emmanuel Birushya, Boniface Mbonigaba, Eric Habimana and Rwanda’s top female taekwondo fighter Zura Mushambokazi.

The 24th Hanmadang championships have attracted athletes from over 70 countries from across the world.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw