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Kenya selects Taekwondo team for World Under-21 Championship
Vivian Shali (right) aims a kick at Faith Adhiambo during a taekwondo match at Phoenix Gymnasium in Nairobi on October 18, 2025.
What you need to know:
- The team was selected in Nairobi following knock-out sessions involving 80 fighters from across the country.
- Taekwondo Federation of Kenya president Suleiman Sumba said over 145 countries are expected to participate.
Eight men and eight women will represent Kenya in the World Taekwondo Under-21 Championships that will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on December 3-6.
It will be the first time the championship is being hosted in Africa.
The team was selected on Saturday at Phoenix Gymnasium, Kahawa 44 in Nairobi, following knock-out and round-robin sessions involving 80 taekwondo fighters from across the country.
Taekwondo Federation of Kenya (TFK) president Suleiman Sumba said over 145 countries are expected to participate.
''Registration opened five days ago, with 15 countries already registered, including the United States, Poland, Germany, Brazil, and Sierra Leone. The final number of participating countries will be known by the fourth of next month,'' said Sumba.
Appealed for sponsorship
He said that the tournament will help identify potential Los Angeles Olympics participants.
''A largely inexperienced team will attend a residential camp in Nairobi before leaving for Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, in the first week of November for intense training,'' he added.
TFK deputy president Philip Akame appealed for sponsorship to support the team's preparation.
''The selection process, which began with county tournaments and culminated in national selection in August, identified athletes aged 17-21. While some athletes have prior experience, many are new to national competition, primarily participating at the county and regional levels,'' Akame said.
Stacy Alice, a Kenyatta University Sports Management student selected in the 53kg category, expressed confidence ahead of the championships.
Spot in the final squad
“Expect good results from us. Expect wins and medals,'' Alice said.
Selina Zena, a USIU Computer Science student in the under 56kg welterweight division, said taekwondo has pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
''After training for four years, I secured victories in all the selection matches. Hopefully, I will make it to the final squad," Zena said.
Lesly Oure an Electrical and Communication Engineering student at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, also hopes to secure a spot in the final squad.
The team will report to the training camp next week in Nairobi before departing for Abidjan.
