Stakeholders in the taekwondo sector have bemoaned the lack of financial support from both the national and county governments, which they say is now threatening to cripple the sport.

The stakeholders said that despite their numerous efforts to seek support to facilitate various activities, no help has been forthcoming.

Speaking during a national taekwondo tournament in Murang’a County, Ndung’u Ng’ang’a, the coach for the Murang’a team, said the government should consider injecting funds to boost the sport, adding that, like other games, taekwondo has enormous untapped potential.

He stated that the lack of proper training facilities has been the biggest challenge for players, who are forced to rent halls that are not adequately equipped.

“Taekwondo is one of the neglected sports in the country, and we have been trying to get support from the government without success,” Ng’ang’a divulged.

“The players are forced to fund the activities from their own pockets, and not all of them are able to raise the money, which leads many to drop out.”

The coach noted that if properly facilitated, taekwondo could be a game changer for the youth, especially those struggling with alcoholism and drug abuse.

“The government has been trying to combat drugs and alcoholism among the youth, particularly in the central region, and this is one way that could help fight those vices,” remarked Ng’ang’a.

He urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to prioritize taekwondo and support it in the same way it supports other sports.

His sentiments were echoed by Saida Wambui, the team’s treasurer, who said that some times the team is unable to participate in various activities due to a lack of finances.

She also mentioned that the players’ uniforms are very expensive, and not all team members can afford them, urging the government to step in.

Wambui, who is also a female coach, encouraged more women to join the sport, adding that it provides self-defense skills that could help protect them from sexual predators.