Hakizimana, who is from Burundi, had his arm amputated aged eight and now lives in the Mahama refugee camp in Rwanda after fleeing civil war.

Both his parents had died by the time he was 11 but taekwondo has given him new hope, and he aimed to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

A World Taekwondo article conceded that it will be "virtually impossible" for him, however, as the only international level tournament he has competed at is the 2017 African Championships in Rwanda where he reached the quarter-finals.

Refugee athletes find it difficult to gain the permission and financing needed to compete abroad, while Hakizimana also lacks top coaching and equipment.

"I want to participate in more competitions, win more trophies, and go to the Paralympic Games," said Hakizimana.

"I also want to build a better life for myself and my family."

Hakizimana is a new father and is due to get married in December.

He has embarked on a career as an athlete and a coach with the support of the Rwandan Taekwondo Federation and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, which works to teach the sport to refugees around the world.

More than 100 refugees are taught by him at Mahama but his sessions were cancelled when the COVID-19 pandemic kicked in.

"My dream is to open a taekwondo club of my own – open to everyone in Burundi," he said.