Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Taekwondo Club scooped 18 medals at the 7th edition of Rwanda National Taekwondo championship that ended Saturday at Amahoro Indoor stadium. 

The medals include seven gold, seven silver and four bronze.

Among the gold medallists include Benon Kayitare, the national team captain, who defeated his fellow clubs member Emmanuel Kwibuka, in the finals. 

Kayitare also won silver in skills demonstration.

Delphine Uwababyeyi also scooped gold after seeing off Raisa Umurerwa of Dream Club in finals.

The Police men team claimed the top spot in the senior category although Police Club came third in the general classification. 

18 clubs took part in the three-day tournament, which also serves to select the national team.

"My dream is to participate and win medals l in Olympics," said Kayitare, who holds a black belt.

To Uwababyeyi, more girls should join this sports discipline because it "teaches discipline and encourages hardwork." 

Three of the 14 Police club members were female.

According to Alain Bagire Irene, this is an excellent performance owing to the fact that the Police club is just eight months old.

"Players have the will; they spent the entire festive season in the camp training and this is the reward for their hard work," said Bagire, who is also the national team coach.

He added: "We have other regional tournaments to participate in such as EAPCCO slated for July in Kenya, and these will continue to develop the experience and build confidence of players." 

The Police Club is also a member of World Taekwondo Police Federation.