Olympics: Korean Embassy donates sports equipment to Kenya Taekwondo Federation

CS Sports Amina Mohammed (left) and Ambassador Choi Yeonghan (right) after presenting Taekwondo equipments to National Taekwondo team represented by Olympian Faith Ogalo (centre) at Maktaba offices. June 10, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Korean Embassy in Kenya on Friday donated a range of sports equipment to the Kenya Taekwondo federation through Olympics Kenya.

In a handover ceremony presided over by the sports CS, Amb Dr. Amina Mohammed, the Korean Ambassador to Kenya, Choi Yeonghan and Team Kenya’s CDM, Mr Waithaka Kioni was attended by athletes and officials from the federation.

 The CS acknowledged the Korean government for the generous and timely donation to the athletes.

"This is one sport that is currently gaining a huge following and interest in Kenya, with many hound people embracing it,” CS Amina said.

 “Indeed, we already have a qualified female athlete for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics competing in the women with over 67kgs category and is already an inspiration to other Taekwondo players.”

She further added: “Sports has given us another platform to express our deep friendship with Kenya and this equipment is just an extension of the many opportunities to enhance this solid relationship between the two countries," observed Korean Ambassador Choi Yeonghan.

“As the country where Taekwondo originated, it is our great joy and pleasure to extend this support and partnership to the athletes in Kenya as we wish them success in Tokyo and other competitions."

National Taekwondo team Mary Muriu (left) Bronze and Newton Muliro heavyweight after receiving Taekwondo equipments from CS Sports Amina Mohammed at Maktaba offices. June 10, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

On his part, Mr Waithaka Kioni, Team Kenya's CDM to Tokyo 2020 Olympics expressed appreciation to the Ambassador and his government for the hand of support to Kenya, noting that this was not the first time Korea was supporting sports.

"We at Olympics Kenya value this generosity and assure you that it will put impetus to our training for Tokyo and other major Games", said Mr. Kioni as he also thanked CS Sports for her unmatched enthusiasm and support for sports development, especially the interests of athletes in Kenya.

Taekwondo Kenya Secretary-General, George Wesonga said they were very delighted to receive the equipment, coming as they are now at the peak of both preparing Faith Ogalo for the Olympics as well as other tournaments ahead.

National Taekwondo team's Olympian Faith Ogalo fits CS Sports Amina Mohammed with one of the Taekwondo equipments they received from Korean Government at Maktaba offices, Nairobi. June 10, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

"Equipment is everything, especially during these very evolving times in sports with advanced countries using the latest technologies. We are now hoping that we also get 2nd Gen electronic scoring system soon for the athletes to acquaint themselves accordingly", observed Wesonga.

The event was also attended by Members of the Olympics Kenya Executive Age. Secretary-General, Francis Mutuku and Treasurer, Mr Eliud Kariuki as well as the Taekwondo Federation President Major Suleiman Sumba.