Mexican taekwondo athletes pose for the cameras ahead of Lima 2019 ©Mexican Taekwondo Federation

Mexico’s taekwondo squad were sent on their way to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games with the words of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ringing in their ears.

The taekwondo line-up linked up with athletes from other sports at a pre-Games event attended by López Obrador, who backed Mexico’s overall squad to deliver strong results.

Taekwondo competition is due to take place from July 27 to 29 in the Peruvian capital.

“I am sure that good results will be obtained, because we are experiencing moments of change in our country,” López Obrador said.

“I will wait for them so that when they come back we will meet again and make an evaluation and celebrate together for the good of the sport and for the good of Mexico.”

Mexico's taekwondo line-up attended an event alongside the country's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador ©Mexican Taekwondo Federation
Mexico's taekwondo line-up attended an event alongside the country's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador ©Mexican Taekwondo Federation

Mexico’s combat team comprises Daniela Souza at under-49 kilograms, Fabiola Villegas at under-57kg, Victoria Heredia at -67kg, Briseida Acosta at over-67kg, Brandon Plaza at under-58kg, Rubén Nava at under-68kg, René Lizárraga at under-80kg and Carlos Sansores at over-80kg.

The poomsae line-up is Daniela Rodríguez, Paula Fregoso, Ana Zulema Ibáñez, Leonardo Juárez and Marco Arroyo.

Souza said: "You can already feel the nerves of the competition, but also the emotion.

“We go with everything.”