Sunyani (B/R), Feb.02, GNA – A three-member Para Taekwondo team is set to represent Ghana at the Fifth African Para Taekwondo G4 Championship, slated February 3, 2022 in Niger.
They would compete with other athletes from Niger, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Central Africa Republic, Morocco, Egypt and Cameron.
Emmanuel Kofi Turkson is booked to fight in the K44 classification +70 weight, while Adizatu Shabban, would also feature in the K44 classification+65 weight, with Patricia Kyeremaa representing the nation in the K40 classification +65 weight.
The team, led by Coach Mr. George Komla Ablometi, the National Para Taekwondo Coach is expected to arrive in Niger on February 1, and they would undergo weighing and classification for the championship and return to the country on February 4.
In an interview with the GNA Sports, Mr. Ablometi said the World Taekwondo sponsored the two female athletes while the Para Africa also sponsored the male player, and commended the sponsors for the package.
“Due lack of funds, the team could only camp the athletes for three days”, he said, but added “we have prepared them adequately to raise the flag of Ghana higher in the championship”.
Coach Ablometi said he was unhappy that lack of funding remained a daunting challenge, though the nation had young talented athletes whose potential could be tapped and nurtured.
Athlete Turkson told the GNA Sports he was competing in his second International championship, after he represented the nation and reached the semi-finals in Morocco, and promised to lift the flag of Ghana high.
“We have gone through vigorous training and that has built our confidence levels and we are not going to disappoint the nation”, he added.
“I have high hopes though this is my first time participating in an international championship”, athlete Kyeremaa stated, and promised to bring back home the trophy.
GNA