Over 120 players enter Taekwondo Ambassador’s Cup

A total of 125 taekwondo players are expected to take part in the 4th edition of the Taekwondo Ambassador’s Cup tournament due on September 10-11 at Amahoro Indoor Stadium in Remera. The unprecedented high number of competitors was confirmed by the Rwanda Taekwondo (RTF) secretary general Placide Bagabo in a press conference held on Wednesday at Amahoro National Stadium. “This year the number of participants has increased from 95 in last year’s edition to 125 this time round, and we hope to have a more successful and competitive event,” said Bagabo. The competitors will come from four countries including hosts Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike the past three editions when only national teams were competing for medals, this year, it is clubs that will fight for supremacy, with the exception of Uganda that has requested to send one club and the national team. Hosts Rwanda will field 14 clubs; Kenya (four clubs) and DR Congo will field one while Uganda will field one club and their national team. By press time, Burundi were yet to confirm their participation whereas Tanzania is suspended by World Taekwondo Federation from international competitions for two years. Martin Koonce, the technical director, Rwanda Taekwondo Federation said, “The main target of this event is to help us select players that will be prepared for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers, we did not compete at the Rio Olympics but we want to be in Tokyo.” The two-day tournament will attract both male and female fighters, in two categories- under-16 as well as 16 years and above. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Over 120 players enter Taekwondo Ambassador’s Cup