Thirteen students from the Gambia Taekwondo Association were last weekend conferred with various belts after a successful practical examination held at the Taekwondo Secretariat in Tallinding. The students were examined practically before being promoted based on their performances at various stages.

The promoted students include Johnney Ghanem, who leapt from red to black belt, Karamba Fatty and Saihou Touray who also jumped from green to blue belts. Haddy Trawally, Kejan Gomez and David Mendy all gained promotion from yellow to green belts.

Speaking shortly after the end of the exercise, Sulayman Jobe, Secretary General of The Gambia Taekwondo Association hailed the promoted students for demonstrating high sense of talents during the exams. He described the examination as timely, noting that The Gambia will soon be participating in the upcoming international competitions such as the Zanoca and Olympic Games and as such, he challenged them to be steadfast in their training.

“Now is the right time for more commitment, dedication and hardwork if we are to build a formidable team that will better represent The Gambia in the international competitions.

Our last year’s participation in the Zanoca Games was a big success but this time around, we want to build a professional team that will bring glory for the country,’’ he said.

Jobe revealed that more capacity building programmes, notably technical and coaching courses, are in the pipeline for the students, adding that the programmes are aimed at upgrading the standard of Taekwondo in the country.

In his words of wisdom to the elevated students, Ebrima Jaw Manneh, deputy editor-in-chief of the Daily Observer, urged the students to be committed and focused in their training, noting that “whatever one does in life as far as you attach value to it, cherish and adore it, then any positive gains can be achieved’’.

Jaw Manneh said The Gambia’s participation in international competitions is not very much visible, adding that with the emerging talents like these trainees, the country can make it to any international competitions in the near future.

He then assured the Taekwondo Association of the media’s unflinching support in promoting their programmes.

The exercise, which was attended by scores of sports enthusiasts, was chaired by Jose Goma March, president of the Gambia Taekwondo Association.