Kenya dominates Korea Ambassador’s Cup, clinches 14 medals at Lugogo
The Kenyan senior men's team led the charge, earning five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, while the senior women's team contributed four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
The Kenyan national team pose with the overall winners trophy after the Korea Ambassadors Cup Taekwondo tournament at Lugogo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Kenya's national taekwondo team secured the tenth Korea Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship on Sunday at Lugogo, amassing a total of 14 medals.
The Kenyan senior men's team led the charge, earning five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, while the senior women's team contributed four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
This impressive performance placed them ahead of Makerere University, which secured 7 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals, and Bombo SS, with 5 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze medals.
Some of the fighters in action during the Korea Ambassadors Cup Championship at Lugogo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
In the seniors' divisions, the Uganda Police and Rwandan Police Taekwondo clubs claimed second and third place, respectively, with eight and six medals. Notable Kenyan performances included Joseph Akwanyi's gold medal in the 80kgs category, surpassing Francis Abdu of Police TC, John Belly of Regional TKD, and Junior Otika of Nywoya Champion TKD.
David Mbugwe also triumphed in the 74kgs category, outperforming Jean Tuyisingize and Jules Tuyishime from Rwanda Police, as well as Deogratius Omukata from Makerere.
The Kenyans also dominated the 54kgs class, with Willias Odhiambo taking gold and Hajji Ombayo securing silver, ahead of Aaron Oloya of CSCA TKD and Farouq Ogwal of Uganda Police.
However, Makerere University athletes excelled in the Poomsae (patterns) discipline, winning a combined 16 medals (7 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze), surpassing Caltec's six medals (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) and Rwandan Police's seven medals (1 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze).
In the juniors' and cadets' categories, Bombo Secondary School showcased their strength, finishing with a total of 24 medals, significantly more than the 9 medals each earned by CSKA and Survivor TKD. Gulu and Kilisi TKD also performed well in this category, which featured 16 teams, with 5 and 4 medals, respectively.
In his opening remarks before the event on Saturday, Korean Ambassador to Uganda Park Sung-soo thanked the Uganda Taekwondo Federation and the Uganda Olympic Committee for partnering in organising a successful event. He also expressed his gratitude to Korean instructor Kim, the coaches, referees, the athletes and volunteers from all over the country for their dedication and hard work.
“We gather today not only to compete, but to celebrate friendship, courage, and discipline the very heart of Taekwondo. Taekwondo teaches us to be strong but humble, to fight without anger, to win with respect, and to carry ourselves with honor,” Park said.
“Since 2017, this tournament has become a wonderful platform to showcase the Ugandan people’s love and passion for taekwondo. Today, taekwondo serves not only as an art but also as a bridge connecting people and bringing us together here in Uganda.
“Through Taekwondo, we learn discipline in everyday life, patience in practice, and perseverance in every challenge. I hope this championship will promote not only physical skills but also mutual understanding, respect, and friendship among our nations,” he stated.
UOC vice president Moses Mwase presided over the prize ceremony alongside Col. Lee Jeongsu, the Korea Embassy defense attaché; the director of welfare, production, and sports, AIGP Hadija Namutebi; and UTF chairperson Marvin Baryaruha.
Mwase congratulated the athletes for their participation and thanked the Korean Embassy for the support in the promotion of taekwondo in the country. He promised continued support from the UOC towards the sport.
Gold Silver Bronze
Seniors-Women: Top five
Kenya National team 4 1 2
Rwanda Police 3 0 0
Kenya National team 1 - -
Regional - 3 -
Prisons - 2 3
Seniors-Men: Top five
Kenya National team 5 1 1
Uganda Police 3 3 2
Rwanda Police 1 3 2
Prisons - 1 1
Gulu TKD - 1 1
Poomsae: Top five
Makerere University 7 4 5
Caltec Taekwondo 2 1 3
Rwanda Police 1 4 2
Uganda Police 1 1 6
Elocity TKD Sports 1 1 -
All Junior Cadets: Top ten
Bombo SS 5 7 12
CSCA 4 2 3
Survivor TKD 4 2 -
Kilifi County 3 - 1
Gulu TKD 2 1 2
Elocity 1 4 2
Caltec 1 2 6
Prisons 1 2 1
Regional 1 - 1
Makerere 1 - 1