Kenya U21 Taekwondo team gear up for historic World Champs on home soil

The competition comes at a pivotal moment for the young squad, forming a crucial part of their preparations for the World Under-21 Taekwondo Championship, which Kenya will host for the first time from December 3 to 6 at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

The global event is poised to make history, with more than 470 athletes from 60 countries already registered.

Kenya Taekwondo Federation Deputy President Philip Khaemba said the Kampala outing could not have come at a better time.

“The event in Uganda comes at the right time, especially for the East African region,” he noted. “It allows us to assess our strengths and areas that require improvement before we head to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for a special training camp. There, our athletes will train alongside teams from that region, gaining valuable exposure.”

Team captain Stecy Alice Dock, a first-year student at Kenyatta University, echoed the optimism within the camp.

“As athletes, we believe we will surprise ourselves — and the country — with strong results in Uganda,” she said.

“Our training has been intense, focusing on strength and conditioning through morning and afternoon sessions. The coaches’ program has really helped sharpen our performance.”

This year’s World Under-21 Championship will run under the theme “Taekwondo Values for Climate Action,” bringing together the world’s top emerging talent under the shared principles of discipline, respect, and sustainability.

The event is being organized by the Kenya Taekwondo Federation (KTF) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, World Taekwondo, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).