A successful IDPA event adds to Kenya's sports swag

Joshua Vundi of Chalby in action during the 2023 IDPA Africa championships at Kirigiti Shooting Range yesterday. [Caroline Obuya, Standard]

The 17th edition of the IDPA African championships came to an end at Kirigiti Shooting Range yesterday with Kenya proving to the world that it has become a beacon of sport.

According to NGAO-Kenya Federation chairman Martin Chengo, the tournament was a huge success.

“We are happy that we pulled it off and the match was incident free.  I thank the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Art for being the title sponsor and all other sponsors for making it happen,"said Chengo.

Dubbed the Founders shoot, the event witnessed a huge turnout from enthusiasts who were excited to be part of the whole shooting experience, something they had never seen before.

Firing 250 round count on 16 Courses of Fire ( CoF)s was no mean feat for the over 200 competitors from 13 countries; among them South Africa, Italy, Estonia, Serbia, Russia and the United States.

Master Ibrahim Ndungu continued his dominance in Stock Service Pistol, followed by Master Florin Popescu and Master Mohamed Omar respectively.

Master Eric Wachira captured the title in ESP division, followed by Master Mike Kiptanui (ATPU) and Master Samuel Chacha of GSU.

Master Sammy Onyango carried the day in Carry Optics (CO) while Master Robert Nyamongo triumphed in SPD.

The CCP division was won by Master Mahir Omar. Geoffrey Pesa carried the day in the PCC division. Master Danijel Krnjatic won in the PCC master category followed by Master Haider  Ali.

Elizabeth Cherono retained her Lady High title in PCC as Agnes Wangeci carried the crown in Handgun Lady High.

“This event was a major improvement from the 2021 edition when Covid-19 caused problems. It gave Easter and Ramadhan revelers something to smile about," said Chengo.

IPOC Africa Avalon Edward was worried about the amount of work that was to be done when he arrived in the country.

“I’m amazed that the Match Director Sammy Onyango managed to delegate and get everything running," said Avalon.

“The weather wasn’t favourable but the shooters held on and put up a wonderful game. You have very good shooters and all in all it’s been an incredible experience and one of the best shooting events I have attended."

Avalon added that he was impressed with the hospitality he received in his first visit to Kenya. 

2023 IDPA AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIP FOUNDERS SHOOT DIVISION CHAMPIONS 

SSP HIGH- Master Ibrahim Ndung’u 
ESP HIGH- Master Eric Wachira
CCP HIGH- Master Mahir Omar 
CO HIGH- Master Sammy Onyango
PCC HIGH- Geoffrey Pesa 
BUG HIGH- Sylvester Gitau
REV HIGH- Joel Warui 
SPD HIGH- Robert Nyamongo 

2023 IDPA AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIP CATEGORY CHAMPIONS

LADY HANDGUN HIGH- Agnes Wangeci

LADY PCC HIGH- Elizabeth Cherono

PRESS HIGH- Robert Kibutiri 

INDUSTRY HIGH- Master Sammy Onyango 

LAW ENFORCEMENT HANDGUN- Mike Kiptanui

LAW ENFORCEMENT PCC HIGH- Patrick Milimu

MILITARY HANDGUN HIGH- Paul Ochieng Jr.

INTERNATIONAL HANDGUN- Nikolay Bobkov (Russia)

INTERNATIONAL PCC HIGH- Master Danijel Krnjatic 

JUNIOR HIGH- Vuk Vucicevic (Slovenia)

SENIOR HANDGUN HIGH- Master Sammy Onyango

SENIOR PCC HIGH- Satnam Channa

DISTINGUISHED SENIOR HANDGUN HIGH- Tony Munene

DISTINGUISHED SENIOR PCC HIGH- Mukhtar Omar

2023 IDPA AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIPS FOUNDERS SHOOT MDs Special Awards

1. Mash’al Omar (12yr Old)
2. Cheche Ababu (12yr Old)
3. Douglas Achiki

Best Male- Stephen Otieno 
Best Female- Caroline Obuya
Best Youth- Stephen Irungu