On the request of World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the much anticipated 4th edition of International Gorilla Open Championship has been moved and rescheduled for October 6-8 in Kigali.

Rwanda Taekwondo Federation (RTF) secretary general Placide Bagabo confirmed the development to Times Sport on Tuesday.

The three-day international tournament, which joined the calendar of WTF annual international competitions this year, was initially slated for March 31- April 2 at Amahoro indoor stadium in Kigali.

The international taekwondo governing body was concerned that hosting two international competitions (African ParaTaekwondo Open and Gorilla Open) simultaneously would sabotage the quality and standards of both showpieces and requested the local federation to schedule Gorilla Open for another time.

"WTF requested for one of the two competitions to be moved and we thought it was a genuine reason. Hosting two big international competitions simultaneously in one venue would not guarantee the needed quality and standards,” Bagabo told this paper on Tuesday

"The African ParaTaekwondo Open remains unchanged, it will take place on March 31- April 2 at Amahoro stadium as initially planned,” the former national team skipper noted

By press time, nine countries had already registered for the 2nd African ParaTaekwondo Open Championship and registration goes on till March 22. According to RTF officials, there is a chance the number of teams will have doubled by the day of registration deadline.

Rwanda is hosting this continental championship for a historic first time and will also make their debut in Taekwondo competitions for physically disabled martial artists.

Registered countries so far

Spain, France, Germany, Comoros, Austria, Uzbekistan, United States of America, Niger and Rwanda.

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