Para-Taekwondo team turns focus to IWAS World Games

After winning two medals at the Para-Taekwondo World Championships last month in London, Rwanda has now turned focus to the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games, according to national team coach Allen Irene Bagire.

Saturday, November 04, 2017
Rwanda national team coach Bagire (left) poses with the two medal winners Rukundo and Nikwigize in London. Courtesy.

After winning two medals at the Para-Taekwondo World Championships last month in London, Rwanda has now turned focus to the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games, according to national team coach Allen Irene Bagire.

The 7th International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games will be held in Villa Real de Santo Antonio in Portugal from November 30 to December 6.

In London, Consolée Rukundo won Rwanda’s first gold in the Women’s K42 Under-58kg category, while De La Croix Nikwigize scooped a bronze in the Men’s K44 Under-61kg fray.

Speaking to Saturday Sport this week, Bagire said that, "We have turned our guns to the IWAS World Games due in Portugal; winning in London was a great achievement, given the fact that it was the first time for the team to compete at such a high level.”

He added: "Winning in London increased our chances to qualify for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics; but our immediate focus now is Portugal.”

Rwanda Para-Taekwondo will be participating for the first time at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports games.

The complete list of sports categories in the IWAS Games includes; Archery, Athletics, Beach ParaVolley, Para-Taekwondo, Swimming and Table Tennis.

"IWAS is our next target, we believe Rwanda can win medals and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games besides Rwanda as a nation and the athletes to raise their global rankings,” he disclosed.

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