The national men’s taekwondo team begins its medal chase today at the ongoing 11th All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The women’s competition starts tomorrow.

The team has been in Brazzaville since September 9, and according to team manager Placide Bagabo, the fighters are in good mood and ready to challenge for medals.

The Rwandan team includes three fighters, Martin Nduwayezu (54kgs) and Regis Iyumva (58kgs) and one female Delphine Uwababyeyi (46kgs)—they are trained b y Allan Irene Bagire.

In a telephone interview with Times Sport from Brazzaville on Wednesday, former national team captain Bagabo said, "Morale is high, the players are in good health and ready to battle for medals and, hopefully, we shall be able to do well and achieve our set targets.

Asked about which opponents need special attention from the Rwandan fighters, Bagabo singled out the likes of Ethiopia, Tunisia, Egypt and Ivory Coast.

This is the second time that Rwanda’s taekwondo team is competing at the All-Africa Games after making their debut four years ago in Maputo, Mozambique.

David Hakizimana and Théogène Ntawangundi were the two Rwandan representatives in Maputo but none of them managed to win a medal.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw