First ever IDPA sanctioned match kicks off in Mombasa

Mombasa County officials ahead of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) match that kicks off in the weekend at the Bamburi Rifle Club [Courtesy]

It’s all systems go as the first-ever sanctioned International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) match kicks off at the Bamburi Rifle Club in Mombasa.

The match which is sponsored by Crown Paints and SEAGAS Limited among others will see over 100 shooters battle it out in various categories tomorrow.

Kenya will be the second country in Africa to grace the tournament, the first - South Africa.

Match director Sammy Onyango said “It seemed impossible until it was possible. We are happy that we have finally brought this event home.”

The National Gun Owners Association (NGAO-K) Chairman Anthony Wahome urged the country’s sports authorities to start embracing sports tourism.

Safety Officer Peter Njoroge in action [Courtesy]

The event has drawn international participants from Italy, Germany, India and USA among others.

Coast team Captain Abdul Hakim says the courses of fire look easy from outside but are tough. So one must align the eye well and aim on target!

Present at the pre-match event were officials from the Mombasa County government. Chief tourism officer Nadia Ahmed from the Department of Trade, Tourism and Investment said the partnership will help boost sports tourism in the county. The Pre-match event saw the safety officers who will officiate during the official match test their prowess ahead of the main event tomorrow.