Greater Accra Region won most of the medals and trophies at 14th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Championship held at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra on Saturday.
Greater Accra led by Coach Fayise Selorm amassed 185 points in 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 while Upper East got 52 to place fourth. Northern Region were fifth with 48 points. Other regions who took part were Eastern, Bono, Upper West, Western and Central.
President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation Mr. Lartey Otu said the 14th Korean Ambassador’s Championship is to prepare young athletes for the Youth Olympics in 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.
He congratulated all participants and winners, advising them to keep training to realise their dreams.
Mr. Otu acknowledged some ex top athletes and coaches, the late Shaibu Yakubu and Da Rocha who represented the nation at international events like the Olympic Games.
“Let’s come together to form a strong Taekwondo fraternity” he urged the regions.
He was presented with a citation by the Ghana Para Taekwondo.
The Republic of Korea Ambassador HE K.S. Park in his speech said Taekwondo has become popular in Ghana 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 next 15th edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Championship.
The Inter-regional championships which was organised by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) and sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea exposed young athletes between the ages of 13 and 17 compete in Kyorugi and Poomsae.
Five weight categories competitions involved each gender for juniors and cadets Kyorugi, athletes battled for the ultimate medal, bragging rights, selection as well as overall best accolade.
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 while Setorme Tornyeva got the best female junior. Other winners received hampers, medals and certificates.
The referees and other officials who organized a seminar at the Korea Sports Complex before the competition also performed remarkably well.
‘Mission to Senegal 2026 Junior Olympics’ was a great success and exposure for the up and coming athletes and referees.
By Sammy Heywood Okine