Seasoned srinter Asamba wins Tujiamini Initiative Nationwide gold award

Dan Asamba (centre) poses for a photo with SportPesa's Brand Ambassador, 'Biggie' and Public Relations and Advertising Executive, Deborah Chepkirui. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Dan Kiviasi, a seasoned and accomplished sprinter specializing in the 100 and 200-metre races, has been named the Tujiamini Initiative Nationwide Gold winner.

With over a decade in competitive athletics, Asamba who is a Prisons officer and a member of the Utawala Star Sprints Club, has become a standout figure in the local sprints discipline.

He has represented the country in numerous competitions in the past, including leading the Kenyan team to a gold medal in the 2022 Africa Championships in Mauritius.

Asamba's victory brings to a close the Tujiamini Initiative that kicked off in February 2024. Powered by SportPesa the initiative aimed to identify and nurture promising sports and sports related talent. It received over 22,000 submissions covering eight regions and one nationwide entry, benefitting 750 winners in the Gold, Silver and Bronze categories.

"My growth in the field has been gradual but steady and this win feels like a culmination of everything I've worked for over the last ten years. I now have an incredible opportunity and the resources to help refine my training including adoption of scientific metrics in my preparation and performance regime. By integrating more scientific methods in my training, nutrition, and recovery, I'm confident to reach my full potential in the next one year," said Asamba.

The Tujiamini Nationwide Gold award marks a pivotal milestone in his career as he sets his eyes on more competitive events internationally. Asamba is now keen to qualify for the upcoming indoors athletics season with an immediate focus on the World Athletics Indoor Championships in China in March followed by the World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo, Japan, in September 2025 as part of his preparation towards the 2028 Olympic games.

In awarding Asamba, Tujiamini Initiative acknowledged his dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence, which have been the key drivers behind his success.

"Asamba is arguably the best sprinter in the Prisons department and is truly deserving of this award due to his work ethic and commitment to the sport. With the financial support and recognition that comes with the award, he will be able to push the boundaries with his training and eventually reap the benefits in improved performances," said Perpetual Mbutu, a Sprints Coach and Founder, Utawala Star Sprints Club.

While lauding Asamba's victory, Pius Shiundu Head of Operations for DBA Africa that has partnered with SportPesa in running the Tujiamini Initiative, highlighted the critical role of sports sponsorships towards supporting growth and developing talent in the grassroots.

"We are proud to support exceptional talent like Asamba, whose dedication to excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Tujiamini Initiative. This award is more than an athletic accomplishment; it represents a significant step forward in career growth for Asamba, especially with his intention to incorporate scientific metrics in measuring his training, preparation and performance ahead of the 2025 season. This will not only benefit him but also set a good example for young sprinters in Utawala Star Sprints Club," explained Shiundu.

With his eyes set on the World Championships and Olympic Games, Asamba's Nationwide Tujiamini Gold victory promises a thrilling chapter in his career as he continues to push the boundaries in his athletics career.