Afghan taekwondoists leave for Beijing tomorrow
KABUL, May 13 (Pajhwok Afghan News):

For the first time ever, a seven-member Afghan team will leave for China tomorrow (Monday) to participate in the 17th edition of the World Taekwando Championship.
Scheduled to get under way in Beijing from May 18, two officials of the Afghan Taekwando Federation (ATF) will accompany the players to the five-day event featuring contestants from 180 countries.

ATF President Ghulam Rabbani, speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News on Sunday, asserted: "Despite poor facilities and inadequate opportunities, our squad is fully prepared for the international championship.

Rabbani hoped the taekwondoists would bring laurels to their country, which had to skip last years championship - hosted by Thailand - for want of financial resources.

He added an ATF panel of experts picked up the seven athletes in different weight categories for the championship, which is expected to see a number of changes in the rules framed for the competition.
Zarghona Salehi

mam/mud