The African Cadet and Junior Judo Championships: Judo: Katana, Tumaini bag silver for Kenya

David Katana Baya who won silver for Kenya in the Cadet's men's U-55kg category PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO

David Katana Baya and Aisha Tumaini each won silver for Kenya at the ongoing African Cadet Judo Championships at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on Thursday.

Katana lost the final by an Ippon (full throw) to Mohamed Said of Egypt in the men's U-55kg individual final.

Tumaini also lost with the same margin in women's U-70 category to Farida Magdy of Egypt.

In his opening encounter against Kablan Ehui of Ivory Coast, Katana won by an Ippon after raking in two waza-aris (throws of power and seniority but not enough to be an Ippon) which gave him an 11-0 victory.

In the semis, Katana edged Barnard Kayden by an Ippon (two waza-aris).

"I feel great; I feel good to lift Kenya high in this championship.

"At least, reaching the finals shows that the future of the game is very bright for the country," Katana told Standard Sports.

The 2015 East African silver medalist said he trained well at his base in Ongata Rongai ahead of the African showpiece.

Aisha Tumaini with silver medal she won in the women's U-70kg category at the ongoing African Cadet and Junior Championships at Kasarani in Nairobi.PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO

"I did morning road runs, push-ups and other energy sapping workouts that made me lean and tough," he said.

Katana is also glad to have his father Lawrence Karisa Nyundo, a former judoka, as his coach.

"I'm a proud father today, I'm glad my son has won a continental medal.

"He is also gaining from the game in terms of discipline, respect and focused and other virtues that come with the sports," said Nyundo.

Kenya Judo team coach Zablon Masha said Katana and Tumaini have already qualified for the Africa Youth Games by virtue of reaching the finals in the Cadet championships.

Selected Kenyan medalists in the Cadet championships

1.Gobwe Abdulrahman- Bronze, Men's 50 kg.

2.Ken Kelly- Bronze, men's 60kg.

3.Dama Martha -Bronze, women's 52kg.

4.Katana Baya-Silver, Men's 55kg.

5.Tumaini