Taekwondo Federation seeks to expand sport in schools

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Taekwondo Federation (TTF) plans to formally request the inclusion of taekwondo in the Inter-Primary Schools Games (UMITASHUMTA) and Secondary Schools Games (UMISETA), aiming to expand the sport’s reach among young athletes across the country.

The initiative aims to increase participation among young people and women, who are currently underrepresented in the sport.

TTF Secretary General Joseph William said introducing taekwondo at the primary and secondary school levels will encourage more women to take up the sport.

“Currently, very few women play taekwondo in the country. Traditionally, women are not widely involved in martial arts. We hope that by introducing the sport from primary to secondary school, more girls will take it up and enjoy it,” he said.

The federation also plans to host the National Taekwondo Championships later this year in Dar es Salaam. Zonal training sessions, held twice a month, aim to improve athletes’ skills, alongside youth development programs.

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“The federation has been inactive for many years, but the new TTF leadership is committed to reviving the sport. We now hold zonal training sessions twice a month and are running youth development programs. This year, we also plan to host the National Championships in Dar es Salaam,” he said.

William noted that most TTF activities are currently self-funded, as financial support from sponsors is limited, though the federation receives material assistance from World Taekwondo (WT).

He said these initiatives are intended to strengthen the sport’s growth and attract potential sponsors.

“At the moment, most of our activities are self-funded because many people, including potential sponsors, know very little about taekwondo. This makes it difficult to secure financial support.

“While we receive material assistance from our world governing body, World Taekwondo (WT), we currently do not receive financial support from any organisation,” he said.