Karuma qualifies for Paris Olympics as dozens of youths earn belts promotion

Kids being taken through their grading lessons by head coach Michael Wanjau.[Courtesy]

Third belt Trevin Karuma qualified to represent Kenya in next year's Paris Olympics as dozens of youthful players earned belt promotions during Nova Tae-Kwon-Do Championships at Nova Pioneer Tatu Primary School in Tatu City at the weekend.

Karuma's achievement was a big boost to the 37 ambitious youths who were eager to emulate him in the fight for top honours as they graduated from one belt to the other.

He qualifies as a junior international in the Under 15-year category.

The 37 players were promoted to different belts after being subjected to rigorous Grade-Training that has earned them promotions from the First-White Belt to Third-Red-Belt.

Moving up the belts, there's minimum time a player is required to take before being tested for a number of techniques and translations in order to be promoted from one belt to the other.

Head coach Michael Wanjau exuded confidence on those promoted at a function attended by Kenya Tae Kwon-Do Schools and Colleges Association President Phillip Khaemba in the presence of Grand Master and Technical expert Patrick Ngana.

"We are to give these kids the best experience as they fight to get their space in the continental and global competitions in the fight for top honours," Wanjau told Standard Sports.

He announced another course of the same magnitude will staged at the same venue on April 24-29.

Players Promoted/Graded

1. Jasmine Wambugu 5th blue.
2. Clement Gachoka 7th green.
3. Ethan James Mungai Ngururu 7th green.
4. Eli Gitau Ngururu. 7th green.
5. Robbie williams 8th yellow.
6. Aiden Muigai Ndirangu 8th yellow.
7. Adrian Asila Otieno 6th blue.
8. Tyler Okello Otieno 8th yellow.
9. Melisa Wanjugu 7th green.
10. Randykyle Albinus Mutembei 6th blue.