The National Taekwondo team will jet out today morning to compete in the 14th edition of Taekwondo African Senior Championship slated for May 19-21 in the north-eastern city of Port Said in Egypt.

The team including six boys and three girls will be making their first appearance in the biennial tournament which attracts countries on the continent under the Africa Taekwondo Union (AFTU) vying for medals and an improved continental ranking.

"We are ready to make a memorable debut at the continent’s biggest tournament, we have had excellent preparations and all players are fit and in a good shape to raise high the country’s flag,” said head coach Allan Irene Bagire in an interview with Times Sport.

He added that there has been a big step forward in developing martial arts in the country. He said it is time for the team to showcase their ability beyond boarders by winning medals at such a big competition.

The 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 World rankings.

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