Active Fitness Center (AFC) Club of Kitgum emerged as the champion for the 2023 International Taekwondo Federation Uganda Hero’s Day Cup, held at Sharing Hall Nsambya on June 9, 2023.
The one-day event saw over 165 participants from 14 clubs compete for medals.
AFC Club won a total of 64 medals, including 24 gold, 26 silver, and 14 bronze.
This gave them a significant lead over the second-place finisher, Prisons Club, which won 25 medals (10 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze).
UPDF Taekwondo Club came in third place with 18 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze).
David Owori, the International Taekwondo Federation Uganda President, told Nnalubaale Sports that the event was originally scheduled for June 9, but was postponed due to financial constraints.
He said that the federation is planning to host more local events in the coming months to prepare Ugandan athletes for upcoming international competitions, including the World Championships in Finland next month and the East Africa Championships in Kenya in December.
Among the 165 participants at the Hero’s Day Cup was Ndejje University’s Gideon Nawarugira, who was participating in his first ITF event.
Nawarugira lost in the semi-finals, but said that he is motivated to train harder so that he can represent his country in future competitions.
Prisons Club’s Nayonjo Mariam is one of the few girls who are active in taekwondo in Uganda.
She said that she has transformed her life and learned how to protect herself against violence through the sport, and encouraged other girls to get involved.
Other Winners
The other clubs that competed at the Hero’s Day Cup were:
- PTC Kabalye (7 medals) to finish 4th
- Lango Taekwondo Club (4 medals) to finish 5th
- Soroti (2 medals) to finish 6th
- UCU (6 silver medals) to finish 7th
- Kiyeyi (3 bronze medals) to finish 8th
KT and Isingiro Hard Marks were the only two clubs that did not win any medals.
The Hero’s Day Cup was a successful event that showcased the talent of Ugandan taekwondo athletes.
Courtesy Photos
