The Ivory Coast were the only African nation to take part in the Kimunyong Cup International Open Championships ©FITKD

Ivory Coast – the only African nation to take part in the Kimunyong Cup International Open Championships in South Korea – managed to earn three bronze medals.

The West African country enjoyed double success in the women’s events at JangChung Arena in Seoul.

Ekpitini Marie Frédérique was the bronze medallist in the under-49 kilograms and Ekpitini Marie Frédérique achieved the same in the under-67kg.

In the men’s competition, Kobenan Aaron took bronze in the men’s 63kg.

Captained by Banassa Diomandé, an Ivorian team of five men and three women took part.

Rio 2016 bronze medallist Ruth Gbagbi, left, visited the new facility in Abidjan earlier this year ©FITKD
Rio 2016 bronze medallist Ruth Gbagbi, left, visited the new facility in Abidjan earlier this year ©FITKD

The event gave participants the opportunity to earn ranking points in a bid to reach the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Taekwondo’s popularity is on the rise in Ivory Coast, with a new facility being built for the sport in the city of Abidjan.

Work began in September 2017 and is due to be completed in December.

The facility will include a 1,500-seat competition hall which will also be used for other sports.

A conference room, computer room, library and FITKD offices are set to be included.

Ivory Coast's Ruth Gbagbi, who won bronze at Rio 2016, visited the facility earlier this year.