RWANDA Taekwondo team defied the odds to win a staggering 14 medals, including four golds, nine silvers and one bronze, in the just-concluded Uganda Taekwondo Open in Kampala.The 16-man side was under the tutelage of national technical director Irene Bagire, who was acting as coach instead of head coach Martin Koonce.When contacted Koonce, who was also on the delegation, said, “It was a great tournament with a high level of competitiveness. Our players did a great job. Some of the players lost matches they should have won due to lack of experience but, by and large, we are pleased with their performance.” “This kind of performance instills confidence in the team, and it’s good for future competitions,” added Koonce. Ramadhan Nsengiyumva (flyweight, -54kg), Savio Nizeyimana (featherweight – 68kg), Vincent Munyakazi (lightweight –74kg) and the Delphine Uwababyeyi (flyweight – 58kg), all won gold medals.Zura Mushambokazi, Olivier Biraro, Regis Iyumva, Consolee Birori, Emmanuel Kwibuka, Clarisse Uwayo, Laissa Umurerwa, Benon Kayitare and Placide Bagabo won silver, while Martin Nduwayezu was the only bronze medalist. Rwanda is currently ranked among the top five countries on the African continent and among top 40 in the world in Taekwondo after an impressive display at the World Taekwondo Championships in Mexico in July.
