Katana, Tumaini bag silver for Kenya

Ochiericks

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 evening.

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

Tumaini also lost with a similar margin in women’s U-70 category to Farida Magdy, also of Egypt.

In his opening encounter against Kablan Ehui of Ivory Coast, Katana, 16, 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 after notching 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 underlined.

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

“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 had his father Lawrence Karisa Nyundo by his side during his preparations. Nyundo, who is a former judoka, is Katana’s coach.

“I’m a proud father today, I’m glad my son has won a continental medal.

“The game has made him disciplined, respectful and focused. He is gaining all the virtues that come with the sport,” said Nyundo.

Kenya Judo team coach Zablon Masha said Katana and Tumaini have already punched tickets to the Africa Youth Games, to be held in Egypt later in the year, by virtue of reaching the finals in the Cadet championships.

A total of 69 judokas from 12 countries are battling in the Cadet category that has individual and team contests.

The junior category has attracted 116 judokas from 16 countries who will also compete for individual and team crowns on Saturday and Sunday in that order.

Apart from Kenya, countries in contention are South Africa, Egypt, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Angola, Botswana, Uganda, Algeria, Guinea, Zambia, and the Comoros Islands.

QUOTE

“We appreciate the government’s effort to help the Kenya Judo Federation host the championships.” Kenya Judo Federation President Shadrack Maluki.

UTILITIES

Selected Kenyan medalists in the Cadet championships

1. Gobwe Abdulrahman- Bronze, Men’s 50 kg.
2. Daniel Kelly- Bronze, men’s 60kg.
3. Dama Martha -Bronze, women’s 52kg.
4. Katana Baya-Silver, Men’s 55kg.
5. Tumaini Aisha-Silver; Women’s U-70 category

PHOTOS/ JONAH ONYANGO