The national taekwondo team departed for France last evening to compete in the Tournoi International de Paris set for November 14-15 aboard Rwandair to Addis Abba where they later connected to Paris aboard Ethiopian Airways.

The team included four players (two men and two women); Regis Iyumva (U-58 kg), Cedrick Mwemezi (U-68kg), Zura Mushambokazi (U-49 kg) and Aline Ndacyayisenga (U-57 kg) as well as coach Allan Irene Bagire and

Rwanda Taekwondo Federation (RTF) Secretary General Placide Bagabo.

Speaking to Times Sport before departure, Bagire said his debutant team heads into the international tournament aiming to win medals.

"We hope to return with a minimum of at least two medals because all the players are in a good shape, physically and mentally. We have had good preparations and they are well motivated and determined to do well,” vowed Bagire.

After the Tournoi International de Paris, the national team will head into a-one week training camp before flying to Moroccan coastal city of Agadir to participate in the Morocco International Taekwondo Open slated for November 27-29.

Bagire noted that they want both competitions to prepare for Olympic Games qualifiers, which is slated for February 13-14, 2016 in Morocco.

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