Taekwondo training targets 2020 Japan Olympics
A 10-day Taekwondo training course underway at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) is aimed at building the capacity for local athletes ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) technical commission chairperson Patrick Kulemeka has said.
At least 20 Taekwondo coaches and athletes from various zones in the country are being drilled by South Korean master Taesung Kwon until November 18 with financial support from MOC.
“This is part of our long term athletes’ development plan. As a commission, we want all MOC affiliated bodies to be well equipped ahead of major international competitions.
“We are looking at the future when our athletes will be able to win medals at the 2020 Olympics in Japan and this is our starting point for Taekwondo,” he said.
MOC general secretary Jappie Mhango, who is also Minister of Information, said they invested at least K3 million ($1,304.99) into the training to equip local athletes with skills ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games qualifiers.
Kwon said the training will impart modern taekwondo tactics into the local athletes, who last underwent a course by an international trainer (grand master Kwanjanim Lee) about three years ago.
