Kenya scoop 14 medals in regional judo contest

Kenyan team at the East and Central Africa Judo Championship in Moshi, Tanzania.

Kenya won two gold, five silver and eight bronze at the East and Central Africa Judo Championships, which ended Monday in Moshi, Tanzania to finish second overall.

The two gold medals came from female exponents Cecilia Wangeci and Diana Kana. The duo waded through the contest to floor their rivals from the other East African countries, who took part in the championships.

Wangeci, who had shown great intent to lift the hotly contested women’s 78kgs, had no match as she floored her opponents at will in the category.

“At first I was doubtful of the calibre of opposition to expect. However, I gained confidence after the first match. I realised I was better off than my opponents. The belief carried me to win the gold,” said Wangeci.

Kana was outstanding in the women’s 70kgs contest. She said better preparations and diet played a role in her winning.

“I was very dedicated in training. My advice to upcoming players is train hard to win easy,” said Kana, who now has her eyes on the forthcoming All Africa Games in Congo and global championships.

Esther Akinyi gave the country silver in the women’s over 78kgs category. Akinyi noted that she realised her weak areas, which she would work on in due course to be better her performance in the category.

Irene Akinyi won bronze in the women’s under 48kgs as Esther Ikungu did the same in the women’s under 70kgs.

Four men managed to bag silver for the country. They are Amos Aori (U-81kgs), Elvis Nato (U-90kgs), Patrick Wakaba (U-100kgs) and George Kimani (Over 100kgs).

Those who won bronze in the men’s categories were Isaak Kinyanjui (U-73kgs), Tobias Yungu (U-81kgs) and Samson Wambi (U-90kgs).

The 14 medals saw the country maintain a second position, which they clinched in last year’s edition.

“It’s a great way to start the year. This is a great encouragement as we now shift focus to the continental championship and other global event,” said Kenya Judo Association Communication Director Duncan Chemiryo.

“We thank the government for facilitating the 18 players to travel to Moshi out of which 14 were able to win medals in the contest.”

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