Gasabo Taekwondo Club crowned Genocide memorial tournament champions (Photos)

Gasabo Taekwondo Club has been crowned champions of the 32nd Genocide Memorial International Taekwondo Tournament, marking the 12th edition of the annual competition held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The two-day championship, held from June 13–14, 2026, at Hill Top Hotel in Remera, brought together 23 clubs, including four teams from Kenya, and attracted 265 athletes from both countries.

Gasabo Taekwondo Club secured the overall title after a dominant performance across multiple weight categories, driven by its elite athletes in both men’s and women’s divisions.

Among the standout performers was Sinderibuye Nepo, who claimed gold in the men’s -58kg category, while Ngiriyaremye Danny also struck gold in the men’s -54kg division.

On the women’s, Tuyisenge Kevine (Fly -49kg), Umutonze Cheri and Umurerwa Nadège (-67kg) all secured gold medals.

The club’s consistent performance across cadet (Under 15), junior (Under 18), senior (18+), and Para Taekwondo divisions helped them finish top of the overall standings.

Sure we Can Taekwondo Club finished second overall, while defending champions Police Taekwondo Club settled for third place in a highly competitive tournament.

Sinderibuye Nepo (Gasabo Taekwondo Club) and Uwase Francine (Police Taekwondo Club) were named Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the male and female categories respectively.

In the women’s -49kg division, Gasabo dominated as Umutonze Cheri took gold ahead of strong competition, while in -67kg, Umurerwa Nadège also added another gold medal to Gasabo’s tally.

Among the other gold medalists were Kirehe Taekwondo Family’s Byiringiro Emmanuel in the men’s -74kg category, Nkotanyi Richard of Police Taekwondo Club in the +87kg category, and Muhire Claude, also of Police Taekwondo Club, in the -63kg category.

The tournament featured competition across several divisions including Under 15 cadets, under 18 juniors, seniors and Para Taekwondo athletes, reflecting inclusivity and development of the sport.

Participating Rwandan clubs included Gasabo Taekwondo Club, Police Taekwondo Club, Kirehe Taekwondo Family, Kaniga Taekwondo Club, Peace Fighters, Sure We Can Taekwondo, White Star, Kivu Development, Dream Fighters, Kiziba Taekwondo Academy, Mahama Taekwondo Academy and others.

Kenyan teams included the Kakuma Refugees Team, Homabay County, Maseno University, and Faith Ogallo Team.

Speaking after the victory, Gasabo Taekwondo Club head coach Munyaneza Basile praised his athletes for their discipline and international experience.

“This victory is a result of having strong and experienced athletes who regularly represent the country in international competitions, including the World Taekwondo Championships,” he said, highlighting Sinderibuye Nepo’s recent participation at the global level.

He also emphasized the importance of the tournament in promoting remembrance and unity, stating that Kwibuka competitions help the youth understand Rwanda’s history and ensure that genocide ideology never returns.

Rwanda Taekwondo Federation President Dr. Bimenyimana Pierre Celestin said the tournament was established to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and to promote unity through sport.

“Sport plays a key role in educating young people, many of whom were born after the genocide. It helps them learn history and build a united Rwanda free from division,” he said.

The federation reaffirmed its commitment to using Taekwondo as a platform for peacebuilding, discipline and national development.

After claiming their first-ever trophy, Gasabo Taekwondo Club cements its position as one of Rwanda’s leading Taekwondo institutions ahead of future national and international competitions.

Photos

Kirehe Taekwondo Family’s Byiringiro Emmanuel in red, strike Gold medal in the men’s -74kg category

Players, officials and supporters observed a minute of silence to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.

H.E. Jeong Woo Jin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Rwanda, has called on taekwondo players to remain committed to preventing genocide ideology

Rwanda Taekwondo Federation President Dr. Bimenyimana Pierre Celestin has called for efforts to build a united Country free from division

Gasabo Taekwondo Club has been crowned champions of the 32nd Genocide Memorial International Taekwondo Tournament

Defending champions, Police Taekwondo Club settled for third place.