Thirty-seven young athletes participated in the final day of the RT Xtreme Fiji club modern Taekwondo international training camp, which took place at the Sanatan Hall in Samabula, Suva. The camp was hosted by the renowned 8th dan Grand Master and multi-time Olympic coach Andy Rutten, making it a noteworthy event for the athletes involved.
Ronit Kumar, the head instructor of RT Xtreme Fiji, emphasized the importance of this two-day training camp for the development of young taekwondo practitioners. He noted that this camp follows a successful international summer camp held in December last year. Kumar is keen on improving Fiji’s standing in international taekwondo competitions and highlighted the need for enhanced training methods to prepare these young athletes adequately.
The participation rate was encouraging, although Kumar expressed hopes of increasing attendance to around 50 members in future camps, indicating the potential for broadening the reach of such training initiatives. He also pointed out that while the current camp focused heavily on youth development, he aims to attract more senior participants to further enhance training intensity.
Kumar reflected positively on the community support received, particularly from the Fiji Sanatan fraternity, and expressed excitement about collaborating on initiatives aimed at fostering mental well-being among youth. The training program aims not just for physical fitness but also for personal growth, wellness, and discipline, benefits that are crucial for young individuals navigating various life challenges.
Moreover, he noted with pride that a significant portion of the participants was female, showcasing the sport’s appeal to young girls and contributing to gender diversity within taekwondo.
These training camps and the positive community engagement they foster represent a hopeful trajectory for the sport in Fiji, as they not only enhance athletic skills but also serve as platforms for building confidence and resilience among young athletes. The commitment to nurturing talent and promoting a disciplined lifestyle through taekwondo is poised to bring about significant changes in the landscape of sports in Fiji.
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