An agreement was signed between the two parties earlier this year to promote the sport as a driving factor for peace, social development and integration of vulnerable populations, including refugees living in Malta.

As a result, Mamadou Balde from Guinea, who arrived in Malta in 2015, took part in the 7th Asterix Cup in Nis, Serbia.

"Mamadou is very dedicated to taekwondo and his work," Malta Taekwondo Association President Anna Vassallo said.

"His trainer and coach, Gianluca Barbara, registered him to compete in the 7th Asterix Cup in Nis, Serbia, thanks to the support of the THF.

"Even if this participation was doubtful at first due to visa reasons where Mamadou was detained in Serbia on his first night, he achieved a bronze medal the day of his competition, which is a proof of his talent."

Balde faced Serbian Dimitrije Ajdukovic in the semi-finals, where he lost 2-0 and settled for bronze.  

There are plans for the Guinea-born athlete to take part in the Israel Open G1, scheduled for November 2023.

In July, he was part of an obstacle race event along with the Iron Taekwondo League members in Malta.

Saydou Diao from Senegal, on the other hand, won a bronze medal in an invitational tournament organised by the Maltese Olympic Committee for all small states.

Diao is currently awaiting documents so he could participate in tournaments abroad.