All set for continental shooting tourney

IPOC Africa representative Sir Avalon Edward from South Africa inspecting stages at Kirigiti Shooting Range. [Caroline Obuya, Standard]

For the second time in three years, Kenya will be hosting the 2023 International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) African Championships starting today at the Kirigiti Shooting Range.

Kenya first staged the regional showpiece organised by NGAO-K Sports Shooting Federation in 2021.

Sir Avalon Edward from South Africa, who is representing the International Point of Contact (IPOC) Africa Vivian Whatley, backed Kenya to hold another successful competition after inspecting the 16 stages at the Kirigiti Shooting Range.

"From what I have seen, you are good to go," said Edward.

The Tier 4 match will kick off with a two-day fixture consisting of Safety Officers today and tomorrow. The main matches will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

A record 230 shooters will be showcasing their prowess as they rotate on the 16 stages. It will be a time to see their performance on the clock. Once the buzzer goes, it's their sporting item plus their speed and accuracy that will book them the much coveted spot at the podium.

Among highlights of the match will be the Stock Service Pistol (SSP) Master Class featuring Ibrahim Ndung'u against his former coach Daniel Mutiso aka Mwalimu Ninja of Kenya Prisons, Thomas Kiilu, Suetin Artem and Mihkel Kuld.

Another battleground will be in the Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) Master class that will see Eric Wachira face off with Florin Popescu, Mike Kiptanui (ATPU), Samuel Chacha (GSU) and Ashu Sennik.

Master Sammy Onyango will compete in the Carry Optics (CO) against Master Gerard Edo. Eng. Master Robert Nyamongo will fire it off in Specialty Division (SDP), Master Mahir Omar in Compact Carry Pistol (CCP) while Master Danijel Krnjatic and Master Steve Miles will be setting standards in Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC).

In the Lady's High category, Elizabeth Cherono will be defending her title against Agnes Wangeci (DCI), Belinda Akoth (GSU) and Irene Ndunda (KDF).

The Zero down point will be the much sought after spot on the target, where shooters will square it out on 16 stages and a 250 round count.

"This match will be a game changer and proof that Africa has come of age to be the spotlight for shooting sports in the world," said the match director Sammy Onyango.