President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation Frederick Otu-Lartey has congratulated athletes who performed at the 14th Korea Ambassador’s Championship held at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra.
He said the competition was to unearth and groom athletes in preparation for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, and urged those who excelled to work harder to attain that dream.
“We want to prepare young athletes for the Games, because they are the future” Mr. Otu-Lartey said.
He added: “Taekwondo has spread to every region in Ghana and the sport is good for physical fitness and creating relationships.”
Mr Otu-Lartey was rewarded with a citation from the Ghana Para Taekwondo Association for his contribution to their development and promotion.
The Inter-regional championships was organised by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) and sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to exposed young athletes between the ages of 13 and 17 years compete in Kyorugi and Poomsae.
Five weight categories competitions involving gender for juniors and cadets Kyorugi, athletes battled for laurels.
The best male junior player was James Sedoh, while the best female junior went to Zitta Tornyevah. The best male junior Poomsea went to Jayden Nettey with Setorme Tornyeva getting the female award.
The Greater Accra region led by Coach Fayise Selorm amassed 185 points including nine gold, eight silver, 12 bronze medals to place first.
Volta Region came second with 72 points; Ashanti got 68 points to clinch third position whilst the Upper East region got 52 points to place fourth.
The Northern region finished fifth with 48 points in the competition that featured all 16 regions in Ghana.
The winners received hampers, medals and certificates.
Park Kyongsig, the Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Ghana said Taekwondo has become popular in the country as it is beneficial for physical strength and development as well as an avenue for building relationships.
He promised to assist Ghana’s preparations towards the 2026 Youth Olympics, looking forward for the 15th edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Championship.