Malawi National Council of Sports development manager, Ruth Mzengo said despite his loss, Yamikani Guba put up a gallant fight during the 2019 World Taekwondo Championship Games that took place in Manchester, England. His victory could see him qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“We were supposed to have sent two more and a coach, but they failed because their visas were not processed on time. Had it been that (Yamikani)had won, he would have automatically qualified for Olympic Games,” she said.
Guba, who represented Malawi at the World Taekwondo Championship in Manchester, England, lost to Peruvian opponent Christian Ocampo Chancate.
But Mzengo said Guba still has a chance to compete in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“Guba could still qualify if he does well at All Africa Games in Morocco in August,” she said.
Taekwondo coach Lovemore Masinga applauded the UK-based Malawian athlete for putting up a good fight.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be held in Japan.
Malawi could participate on unity should athletes in other sporting disciplines fail to qualify.
So far, archery has potential athletes who can qualify for the games.
Malawian athletes have all along been participating in the Games and other world competitions on unity.