Kenya is continuing to make a remarkable impact at the ongoing 2nd Africa Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria, emerging as a dominant force in various sports, including athletics, shooting, boxing, and volleyball. The country’s athletes are showcasing both their individual talents and team spirit, accumulating impressive medal hauls in the process.
Shooting: Kenyan Women Excel
The Kenyan women’s shooting team made a strong statement at the Shitu Alao Barracks Range in Keffi, where they secured three silver medals in the 100-meter rifle events. Leading the charge was Sergeant Agatha Muchiri, who clinched gold in the 200-meter rifle standing competition and also helped the team achieve victory in the same event. This stellar performance has firmly placed Kenya on the map in military sports.
Athletics: Speed and Endurance on Display
On the track, Kenya continued its rich history of athletic prowess, with Gunner Meshack Babu clinching Kenya’s first gold of the games in the 100m sprint with an impressive time of 10.57 seconds. Babu, a seasoned competitor who has also participated in Olympic qualifiers, added another milestone to his already impressive career.
In the women’s 100m, Senior Private Loise Morara earned bronze with a time of 12.00 seconds. Meanwhile, Senior Private Cynthia Chepngeno took bronze in the 5000m, and Corporal Sela Jepleting narrowly missed a podium finish in her event.
Field Events: Dominance in the Discus
Kenya’s performance in field events was highlighted by Sergeant Caroline Cherotich, who dominated the discus throw, claiming gold with a throw of 48.00 meters. Cherotich, known for her versatility, also competes in high jump and has a solid track record, including a notable performance at the 2015 World Military Games.
Volleyball: A Comeback for the Ages
In volleyball, the Kenyan team displayed extraordinary resilience, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Ghana 5-2, showcasing their determination and skill. This victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and has raised expectations for the remaining matches in the tournament.
Boxing: Kenya’s Strong Punch
Kenya’s boxing team delivered an outstanding performance at the Africa Military Games Boxing Championships, winning four gold medals and one silver.
Edwin ‘Ocox’ Okong’o led the charge in the middleweight category, defeating Libya’s Dawilu Asum in the final to claim gold. Okong’o, who had earlier won gold at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana, showcased his dominance by defeating Nigeria’s Oladokun Oluwaseun in the semifinals.
In the bantamweight division, Dennis Muthama triumphed in an East African clash against Uganda’s Japyem James, showcasing relentless determination to secure the victory.
Kevin Maina claimed gold in the flyweight division, overpowering Algeria’s Mohammed Yacine with his powerful and strategic boxing style.
Friza ‘Frizz’ Anyango added to the tally by winning gold in the welterweight category, dominating Nigeria’s Esther Joseph in a commanding performance.
Kenya’s only silver medal in boxing came from Veronica ‘Mbixe’ Mbithe, who bravely fought in the light flyweight final but was ultimately defeated by Nigeria’s Caroline Linus, the 2015 African champion.
Kenya’s Medals So Far at the 2nd Africa Military Games
- Gold Medals:
- Agatha Muchiri (Shooting)
- Gunner Meshack Babu (100m Sprint)
- Caroline Cherotich (Discus)
- Edwin Okong’o (Boxing – Middleweight)
- Dennis Muthama (Boxing – Bantamweight)
- Kevin Maina (Boxing – Flyweight)
- Friza Anyango (Boxing – Welterweight)
- Silver Medals:
- Veronica ‘Mbixe’ Mbithe (Boxing – Light Flyweight)
- Sergeant Agatha Muchiri (Shooting – 200m Rifle Standing)
- Bronze Medals:
- Loise Morara (100m Sprint)
- Cynthia Chepngeno (5000m)
With several events still to come, Kenya’s athlete Soldiers are poised to add even more medals to their impressive tally, bringing pride to their nation at the 2nd Africa Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria.
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