With just four days before Rwanda hosts the African Taekwondo Championships for the first time, organisers have said that everything is in place for a successful competition.

The 2022 edition of the biggest taekwondo event on the continent takes place July 13-17 at the BK Arena.

At least 40 countries have confirmed their representation at the four-day showpiece in the Rwandan capital.

Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview on Thursday, Placide Bagabo, the director of the tournament, insisted that all the requirements were ready and participants would have a memorable experience in Rwanda.

"I would say that the preparations are at 85% right now, all the basic things have been covered and the rest is just a matter of time," said Bagabo.

"We have identified the participating countries, as well as the number of athletes who will come. We are prepared for them, their accommodations and competition venue are ready."

The former president of Rwanda Taekwondo Federation, however, also admitted that the competition struggled with getting sponsors.

"The budget that we expected to use is different to what is available, but it is no cause for alarm."

The World Taekwondo Association ranks the senior African championships at number 4 among the elite taekwondo competitions worldwide.