ACCRA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ghana has commenced preparations to host the World Taekwondo-ranked international open championship in Accra, a senior official said on Thursday.
The championship, which is slated for August 18-19 at the Accra Sports Stadium, will involve 12 countries including the United States, Italy and Turkey, Adnan Lamptey, spokesperson for the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF), told Xinhua.
He said hosting the competition would put Ghana on the international stage and help develop the sport in the West African country.
"It will also position us well to seek further development support from the World Taekwondo body," he said.
Ghana was given the nod by the World Taekwondo earlier this year to host the championship for the first time.
The competition is regarded as the biggest event in the sport to be hosted in Ghana by the local federation.
It is opened to male and female athletes above 17 years.
Taekwondo is fast becoming one of the most active sporting disciplines in Ghana, with participation throughout the ten regions of Ghana, especially among second cycle schools.
The 2017 World Taekwondo Open Championship will serve as preparations for the upcoming 2019 All African Games. Enditem
