Nadeje Umurerwa performing a high kick against Faradja Angel during the Korean Ambassador Cup.
Team Kenya scooped 11 medals in various categories at the just concluded Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Cup, held at the Petit Stade Amahoro in Kigali, Rwanda.
In the highly competitive Kyorugi Bantam Weight (-63kg) category, Kenya showcased its strength with a remarkable podium sweep. Wycliffe Okoth emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal after a thrilling final against his compatriot Kevin Oduor, who settled for silver. The all-Kenyan final highlighted the team’s dominance, further emphasized by Stephen Odhiambo’s bronze medal finish.
Kenya’s medal haul continued in other weight categories. Daniel Odhiambo and Ambayo Hajji earned silver and bronze respectively in the Male Fin Weight (-54kg) category, adding to the team’s tally. Meanwhile, Victor Ochieng fought valiantly to secure a bronze medal in the Feather Weight (-68kg) category.
Their counterparts, Faith Mutirya bagged a silver medal in the Senior Female Fly Weight (-49kg) category. As both Rebecca Ominde and Faith Adhiambo won bronze in the Heavy Weight (+73kg) and Fin Weight (-46kg) categories respectively.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Leah Makumi bagged silver in the Cadets Female (-55kg) category, as Sarah Kimathi secured a bronze in the Juniors (-49 kg) category.
Michael Kimathi demonstrating taekwondo forms (Poomsae) in the categories of Koryo and Sipji
The Poomsae category also saw outstanding performances from Kenyan athletes. Notably, 8-year-old Carla Wanjiku won gold in the cadets’ female competition, a remarkable achievement for the young talent as Michael Kimathi won a silver medal in the senior II Male category.
“I am happy to learn more about the electronic scoring system and meet experienced athletes,” Wanjiku said.
Stacy Dock of Kenya and Iradukunda Mucyo of Rwanda were named the most valuable players female and male of the 11th edition of Korean Ambassadors Taekwondo Cup.
Kenya was represented by a contingent of 34 athletes, supported by five coaches. The players were selected from various leading taekwondo clubs across the country, including The Fighters Taekwondo Academy, Eastmore Model Academy, ICY Kenya Taekwondo Club, Swift Kicks Kenya, and Wikitae Taekwondo Club.
The event, attracted 415, competitors from across the region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, India, and Uganda. Participants showcased their skills in both Kyorugi and Poomsae categories, making it one of the most vibrant martial arts tournaments in the region.
While Kenya had a strong showing, it was the host nation, Rwanda, that dominated the tournament, clinching the overall trophy. Rwandan athletes performed exceptionally well in both the Kyorugi and Poomsae categories, securing top honors and solidifying their position as a formidable force in regional taekwondo.
