Rwanda Kung fu Federation is set for a wide range of changes after becoming full members of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) on Friday, according to officials.

The Beijing-based body governs Wushu (also referred to as Kung-fu) in all its forms worldwide which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). IWUF is also a member of both the Association of IOC Recognized Sports Federations (AIRSF) and Sports Accord, a union for both Olympic and non-Olympic international sports federations.

The local Kung-fu governing body secures international recognition after over a year since they made the official application in November 2014.

According to the federation president, Jackson Havugimana, they are now eager to further develop the martial art sport in the country as well as to start competing in international competitions.

"This is a great achievement for Rwanda because, actually, we have been operating for many years but without being recognised as a working federation internationally, hence limiting our access to grants and other benefits like coaching course for our trainers,” said Havugimana.

In November, last year, Rwanda was, for the first time, invited to take part in the 13th edition of the biennial World Wushu Championship staged in Bangladesh capital, Dhaka. 

The country was represented by Elie Nzabonimana, who subsequently won his first match before getting injured in the second, which effectively ruled him out of the competition.

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