After emerging from decades of civil war and social upheaval, Somalia is celebrating for its first ever Taekwondo medal win at the recent 5th Alexandria International Open held in Alexandria, Egypt. It was an unprecedented victory which Somali NOC called a ‘sign’ of Somali recovery and a proof that it is back on its track.
Somalia Celebrates the First Taekwondo Medal Win In the games, Mohamed Deq Abdulle Mohamed won a bronze medal and Faisal Jeylani Aweys finished 4th in the 63 kg category. The two Somali athletes who live in Switzerland and their Brazilian coach Mr. Elton De Souza, accompanied by SNOC vice president Ibrahim Shamo took part in the 5th Alexandria International Open that took place from the 20th to 27th February 2013, in Alexandria, Egypt.
Following the medal win, the Somali National Olympic Committee Secretary General, Mr. Duran Ahmed Farah, in a press statement in Mogadishu said , "After the Somali NOC's new development strategy for the Somali athletes living abroad, we are happy to inform the world of sport that Somalia Taekwondo Federation won its first medal in the country’s history".
The General Secretary also announced the Somali participation in future games by saying, "Thanks to their success these athletes will be able to take part in the upcoming Taekwondo World Championships to be held in Mexico in 15-21 July, 2013 and Somalia is very hopeful to win medals." He added, "This Taekwondo medal victory and the wonders that Somali basketball men’s national team showed in January’s Africa zone 5 basketball tournament are a clear sign of Somali’s return to world sport stage."
The Secretary General Mr. Duran Ahmed Farah, in his press statement reminded the nation the bright future waiting the Somali sport by saying, "We believe that the new development strategy adapted by SNOC in collaboration with its affiliated national federations will bring the nation a great joy and satisfaction in future games."
In his press release Mr. Duran mentioned the achievements of another Somali athlete, Mr. Faisal Adan who is Somali National Basketball player living in the US. Mr. Adan A broke FIBA record in terms of points scored in international matches during FIBA Africa Zone V competition. He scored 59 points in the semis against Rwanda.
In conclusion Mr. Duran said, "We count on the collaboration and contribution of the IOC and the Olympic solidarity to help us promote the sport in our war-torn nation. We also hope that the world of Taekwondo will give full support to the revival taekwondo in Somalia."
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These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation.
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