The Taekwondo Ambassador Cup is set to assume an international character this year, with Tanzania preparing to host athletes from across East and Central Africa in a tournament scheduled for September 12 in Dar es Salaam.
The event is being fully sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in partnership with the Tanzania Taekwondo Federation (TTF), which is responsible for its organisation and management.
TTF President Ramoudh Ally said the tournament would strengthen sporting ties between Tanzania and Korea while creating a platform for local athletes to gain international exposure and experience.
He said the federation had invited teams from several African countries, with six nations already confirming their participation.
“We are pleased that the tournament was held in Dar es Salaam last year and will return to the city this year. However, this edition will be different because it will carry an international dimension,” Mr Ally said.
He said the participation of foreign athletes was expected to raise the level of competition and expose Tanzanian taekwondo practitioners to different techniques, approaches and styles of fighting.
“This will be an important opportunity for our athletes to test themselves against competitors from other countries and learn from their experience,” he said.
Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have so far confirmed their participation, according to Mr Ally.
He said the federation was still awaiting confirmation from other countries, adding that registration remained open to interested teams.
Beyond competition, Mr Ally said the tournament would provide an opportunity to deepen sporting cooperation between Tanzania and Korea and promote the development of taekwondo in the region.
He also urged companies, organisations and other stakeholders willing to support the event to come forward, saying partnerships would be important in creating a sustainable platform for the growth of the sport in Tanzania.
The international edition of the Ambassador Cup is expected to attract strong competition while giving Tanzanian athletes an opportunity to gain valuable experience on home soil.
