Rohullah Nekpa, a former member of Afghanistan’s national taekwondo team and a double Olympic medalist in the 2008 and 2012 Games, has been appointed as the head coach of the New Zealand national taekwondo team.
Nekpa brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously coached Afghanistan’s junior national taekwondo team. Remarkably, Nekpa stands as Afghanistan’s sole athlete to have secured two Olympic medals within the adult category.
In addition to his Olympic achievements in 2008 and 2012, Nekpa’s accomplishments include two bronze medals in 2008 and 2014, as well as a silver medal in 2012 from the Asian Taekwondo Championship. His accolades extend to a bronze medal from the 2011 World Championships.
This revered figure in Afghanistan sports history, who also holds the distinction of being Afghanistan’s solitary Olympic medalist, found refuge in New Zealand several years ago. He has now been selected as the coach of the New Zealand national taekwondo team.
Nekpa took to his Facebook page to share his thoughts on this remarkable opportunity: “I take immense pride in my appointment by the New Zealand Taekwondo Federation as the coach of their national Taekwondo team.”
He further expressed his commitment, stating, “I am dedicated to elevating this team to new heights through the application of my knowledge and expertise, and together, we will carve out a historic legacy for New Zealand Taekwondo.”
