The taekwondo national team has intensified its preparations ahead of the 14th edition of Taekwondo African Senior Championship slated for May 19-21 in the north eastern Egyptian city of Port Said.

The team is comprised of nine players, including six boys and three girls.

Rwanda will be making their first appearance in the biennial tournament which attracts countries on the continent under the Africa Taekwondo Union (AFTU).

Fresh from competing in Kenya’s Chairman’s Cup in March where they won a record 10 medals, the team has been training on a daily basis at Kigali indoor stadium for the past two weeks under the close eyes of coach Allan Irene Bagire.

"Everything is going on pretty well and these next two weeks are more important to us to tighten up boys and girls for the continent’s biggest event,” Bagire told Times Sport on Wednesday.

He said they are currently doing a six-hour training session every day – four hours in the morning and two in the evening – as the team targets a good performance.

The team includes; 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 category, the country will be represented by Delphine Uwababyeyi (U-46kg), Aline Ndacyayisenga (U-63kg) and Zura Mushambokazi (U-49kg).

Currently, Rwanda is ranked first in the East African region, sixth on the continent and 40th in World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) World rankings.

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