Rwanda Taekwondo Federation (RTF) secretary general Placide Bagabo confirmed the switch to the country's Times Sport.

The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) requested the move as it was thought holding the competitions simultaneously would damage their quality.

"The WTF requested for one of the two competitions to be moved and we thought it was a genuine reason," Bagabo said.

"Hosting two big international competitions simultaneously in one venue would not guarantee the needed quality and standards."

The fourth Gorilla International Open was set to take place between March 31 and April 2 but will now run between October 6 and 8.

The dates for the Africa Para-Taekwondo Open, due to be held at the Amahoro Indoor Stadium in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, will remain unchanged.

It will be the first time Rwanda has hosted the continental competition.

Rwandan Para-taekwondo players will also be making their debuts in the sport on home soil.

According to Times Sport, Spain, France, Germany, Comoros, Austria, Uzbekistan, the United States and Niger have joined Rwanda in entering the competition to date.

Both international competitions are expected to attract around 600 players from more than 30 countries.

The Gorilla International Taekwondo Open was officially added to the WTF's calendar of international competitions last month.

The event was the second in Africa to be recognised by the sport's governing body.

It joins the Egypt Open in earning international recognition from the WTF, and is the first recognised competition in sub-Saharan Africa.

At the three-day long tournament, Rwanda will be represented by junior and senior teams in the men's and women's competitions.

According to RTF officials, 36 Rwandans will take part in the Gorilla Open while another 30 will represent the country in the Para-tournament.