The national Under 21 Taekwondo team has raised concerns over lack of adequate funding as they prepare for the Taekwondo World Championships, scheduled from December 3 to 6 at the Kasarani Gymnasium.
Team Manager Martin Malaba says they remain focused despite the uncertainty surrounding their training camp away in Ivory Coast, where they were to camp before hosting the championship.
“We could not make it to the Embassy in Ethiopia because it will be very expensive for us. We are calling on the ministry to support the team and be on board to help us,” Marava commented.
In the face of the drawbacks, the team manager and coaches affirm that the squad is training hard, utilizing available resources and capitalizing on mistakes from previous matches to claim gold in the championships.
Stacy Dock, 53kg bantamweight athlete and Captain, echoed the manager’s confidence, noting that the team has been pushing through an intense training programme despite the financial setbacks.
She believes in their ardent preparations towards the championships.
“As a team, we have been preparing for one month now, with our coaches on a daily schedule. We promise not to disappoint and hope for the best,” Dock enthusiastically stated.
With just 12 days to go, the U-21 squad continues to intensify their preparations, pushing through barriers by bringing in an international coach and calling on the government and partners to step in and provide the support needed to ensure the team is fully supported to represent Kenya on the global stage.
By Scovia Amondi
