Kenya is confident of retaining its East Africa Wrestling Championships title after the team completed its final preparations for the regional competition in Bujumbura, Burundi on Friday.
Kenya Amateur Wrestling Association (KAWA) Secretary General Eric Walucho said on August 21 that the team was in high spirits ahead of the championships, with the final training session completed and wrestlers ready for action.
“We are very impressed with the wrestlers and they are in high spirit,” said Walucho, adding that the team had settled well since arriving in Burundi on August 18. He noted that the weather and food had also been good.
The wrestlers underwent weigh-in at 4pm on August 21 before beginning competition on August 22 with indoor freestyle and women’s wrestling. Beach wrestling will be held on August 23.
Reigning champion Jemimah Nakhumicha, who will compete in the women’s 65kg category, is targeting a double gold medal in indoor women’s wrestling and beach wrestling. Calvin Nyatuka (70kg) is also among Kenya’s medal hopefuls.
Nakhumicha and Nyatuka are also using the championship to prepare for Youth Olympic Games which Dakar, Senegal will host later this year.
Walucho observed that Kenya expects its main challenge to come from hosts Burundi, who will enjoy home advantage.
Uganda, Zambia and Burkina Faso are also in the field, while Tanzania and Mauritius were expected to arrive on August 21.
“We anticipate retaining our title. Burundi are our main rivals due to their home advantage,” noted Walucho.
The Kenyan team, which comprises 16 wrestlers, has also received encouragement from Kenyans living in Bujumbura, led by Professor Omondi, who is mobilising compatriots to turn up and support the wrestlers.
With the team having completed its final training session, Walucho declared that Kenya was ready to defend its regional crown.
