Kenya's men's and women's roll ball teams showcased their championship pedigree at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup in Dubai, with both sides reaching the semi-finals in a strong defence of their world titles.
The men's team stormed through the group stage with commanding victories over Poland (18-0), Pakistan (18-4) and Sri Lanka (10-0), before defeating Saudi Arabia 9-2 in the quarter-finals.
The results highlighted Kenya's attacking efficiency and disciplined defence.
Head coach Martin Abunde praised the team's preparation and performance.
"The wins reflect the level of preparation we've had, but the competition gets tougher with every match," Abunde said. "We must stay focused, improve game by game, and remain disciplined."
Away from the men's glory, the women's team also impressed.
Kenya opened with a dominant 16-0 win over Argentina and then staged a strong comeback against Egypt, overturning a 0-2 deficit to win 4-2 in the quarter-finals. Assistant captain Judy Cheptoo credited the team's teamwork and speed.
"We moved the ball well, played for each other, and kept a high tempo throughout the game," she said.
Despite their strong form, both teams fell just short in the finals.
The Indian men edged Kenya 11-10, while the Indian women secured a narrow 3-2 win, preventing Kenya from achieving a hat-trick of titles.
The wins marked India's third women's title, matching Kenya's record.
India had previously won the inaugural women's World Cup in 2013 and again in 2017, before finishing third in 2023 in Pune.
The Indian men's team also staged a remarkable turnaround to claim the title.
Roll ball is played on roller skates and combines elements of basketball, handball and throwball.
Each team has 12 players, with six on the field and six substitutes.
The Roll Ball World Cup is organised by the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF).
