De La Croix Nikwigize won bronze in the recent Para-Taekwondo World Championships ©Rwanda Taekwondo

Rwanda National team coach Allen Irene Bagrie says his focus has switched to the seventh IWAS World Games, taking place in Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal, from November 30 to December 6, following their medal-winning performances at the Para-Taekwondo World Championships in London last month.

Rwanda’s medals came courtesy of Consolée Rukundo, who won gold in the women’s k42 under-58kg category, and De La Croix Nikwigize, who claimed bronze in the men’s k44 under-61kg fray.

Speaking to Rwandan media, coach Bagire said: “We have turned our guns to the IWAS World Games due in Portugal.

"Winning in London was a great achievement, given the fact that it was the first time for the team to compete at such a high level.“Winning in London increased our chances to qualify for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, but our immediate focus now is Portugal,” he added.

Consolée Rukundo and De La Croix Nikwigize celebrate their medals at the Para-Taekwondo World Championships ©Rwanda Taekwondo
Consolée Rukundo and De La Croix Nikwigize celebrate their medals at the Para-Taekwondo World Championships ©Rwanda Taekwondo

Bagire also said he believes his side can win medals at next month’s games.

“IWAS is our next target, we believe Rwanda can win medals and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games besides Rwanda as a nation and the athletes to raise their global rankings,”

This will be the first time that Rwanda’s Para-Taekwondo team will be participating at an IWAS World Games.