The course has been organized by the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) with support from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity programme
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has been advised to build a strong youth foundation if it wants to excel internationally in Taekwondo.
The call came from Dr Jun Cheol Yoon, Chairman of the World Taekwondo Referees Committee, who is in the country conducting a two-week international coaching course at the Olympafrica Centre in Kibaha, Coast Region. The programme runs until September 26, 2025.
Speaking at the opening of the course, Dr. Yoon underscored that youth development is the backbone of every sport, linking it with Taekwondo’s core values of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork.
“If you respect this philosophy, you will reach higher levels. Success depends on skills, discipline, and resilience,” said Dr Yoon.
“The training will be tough, combining theory, practice, and physical endurance. For instance, athletes must build the strength to perform 1,000 push-ups. With hard work, you can produce talented youngsters who will eventually power your national teams.”
The course has been organized by the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) with support from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity programme. Dr Yoon is facilitating the sessions in his capacity as a World Taekwondo Federation instructor.
TOC President Gulam Rashid noted that this is the second Taekwondo course to benefit from IOC sponsorship—the first having been held in 2014 in Arusha. This year’s edition has drawn 30 coaches from Unguja, Pemba, Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam.
“Each year, TOC organizes two courses for different federations. With 19 federations in total, it can take up to nine years before another opportunity arises. That’s why federations should also leverage their international links to secure more training, instead of waiting for their turn,” said Rashid.
He further reminded participants that the future lies in investing in young players. “Many coaches overlook youth development, yet it is at the core of sports growth. Events such as the African Youth Games, the Olympics, and the Commonwealth Games all prioritize youth competitions.
We must prepare our children for these platforms. Look at football, its success comes from strong youth systems. Taekwondo should follow the same path. Sending one or two athletes abroad is not enough to showcase our full potential,” Rashid stressed.
Tanzania Taekwondo Federation (TTF) president, Ramoudh Ally, echoed the importance of grassroots development. He emphasized that graduates of the course are expected not only to guide senior teams but also to groom young talent across the country.
