Rwanda retain Taekwondo Ambassador's Cup

After dominating the two-day Taekwondo Ambassador’s Cup for the third consecutive year at the weekend, Team Rwanda has turned attention to the forthcoming All Africa Games in Congo-Brazzaville. The 11th edition of biannual continental event is scheduled for September 4-19. Team Rwanda is scheduled to depart for Brazzaville on September 9. As hosts, Rwandan players, once again dominated against regional opponents to emerge champions in general classification in the competition that was held at Amahoro indoor stadium. In an interview with Times Sport on Monday, Team Rwanda captain Régis Iyumva, who won gold in men’s flyweight (55-58kgs) category, said the competition was a good test for the players as they ready themselves for the All Africa Games. “I must congratulate my teammates on retaining the Ambassador’s Cup, we did what we needed to do and deservedly we won the competition for the third year in a row. It puts us in good position mentally as we prepare to compete at a higher level in Congo,” a confident Iyumva explained. He noted that after Ambassador’s Cup, all the attention now turns on the All Africa Games and their target is a podium finish. Rwanda will be represented by Iyumva, Martin Nduwayezu (54kgs) and Delphine Uwababyeyi (46kgs). According to organizers, this year’s Ambassador’s Cup was more competitive than the previous two editions as hosts Rwanda (28 points) won by just a single point ahead of second-placed Uganda. Kenya claimed third spot with 12 points while Burundi and DR Congo finished fourth and fifth respectively with a single point each. Rwanda’s 13-year old Shema Cyubahiro was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in junior men’s category while compatriot Aline Ndacyayisenga scooped the accolade in the senior women’s category. Beatrice Aching and Stephan Rachkara of Uganda were MVPs in juniors (female) and seniors (male) categories in that order.

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Rwanda retain Taekwondo Ambassador's Cup