Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu, President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, congratulated young Taekwondo athletes who performed at the 14th Korea Ambassador’s Championship held at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra. He emphasized the importance of the competition in identifying and grooming athletes for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, and encouraged those who excelled to work harder.

“We want to prepare young athletes for the Games, because they are the future,” he said.

Mr. Lartey Otu noted that Taekwondo has spread to every region in Ghana and highlighted the sport’s benefits for physical fitness and relationship-building. He received a citation from the Ghana Para Taekwondo Association for his contributions to their development and promotion.

The inter-regional championships, organized by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) and sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, featured young athletes aged 13 to 17 competing in Kyorugi and Poomsae. Competitions included five weight categories for juniors and cadets, with athletes vying for medals, selection, and overall accolades.

James Sedoh was named best male junior player, while Zitta Tornyevah was the best female junior. Jayden Nettey won best male junior Poomsae, and Setorme Tornyeva won best female junior.

Greater Accra, led by Coach Fayise Selorm, amassed 185 points with nine gold, eight silver, and 12 bronze medals to place first. Volta Region came second with 72 points, Ashanti secured third with 68 points, Upper East placed fourth with 52 points, and Northern Region ranked fifth with 48 points. Other participating regions included Eastern, Bono, Upper West, Western, and Central.

Winners received hampers, medals, and certificates. HE Park Kyongsig, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, praised Taekwondo’s popularity in Ghana and its benefits for physical development and relationship-building. He promised to assist Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympics and looked forward to the 15th edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Championship.