Rwanda national taekwondo team will debut in the 14th edition of Taekwondo African Senior Championship slated for May 19-21 in the north eastern Egyptian city of Port Said.

The biennial tournament attracts any country around the continent that is chartered under the Africa Taekwondo Union (AFTU) and is the basis for continental rankings.

Speaking to Times Sport in an interview, national team head coach Allan Irene Bagire revealed that a total of six players; six boys and three girls are currently undergoing rigorous training sessions at Kigali indoor stadium in preparation for the continent’s biggest event.

"We have started early preparations because this is a great tournament to us. It will be our first time and we want to improve our ranking by winning several medals,” said Bagire

He further noted that Rwanda has shown a tremendous effort towards the development of the sport since 2011 when it was first introduced and recognized in the country.

"My players have rich experience in international competitions which I hope will guide us to glory,” he addedThe players in the boy’s category include team captain Regis Iyumva (U-58kg), Martin Nduwayezu (U-64kg), Vincent Munyakazi (U-63kg), Emmanuel Twagiramungu (U-68kg), Savier Nizeyimana (U-74kg) and Cedrick Mwemezi (U-80kg).

In the women’s fray the country will be represented by Delphine Uwababyeyi (U-46kg), Aline Ndacyayisenga (U-63kg) and Zura Mushambokazi (U-49kg).

Currently Rwanda ranks first in the East African region, sixth on the continent and 40th in WTF World rankings.

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