Inter-Parliamentary Games: Kenyan Teams Ready To Reclaim Tug Of War Titles

_{Kabuchai Member of Parliament and Kenya’s tug of war co-captain honourable Majimbo Kalasinga. PHOTO/ ELVIS OGINA}

MOMBASA, Kenya- Kenya is ready to reclaim the Tug of War trophies! This strong warning was send by Kenya men’s co-captain honourable Majimbo Kalasinga as the 14th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games kicked off in Mombasa on Saturday.

The matches were officially opened by His Excellency President William Ruto who urged the participants from the eight EAC member states to enhanced integration of the region through the eight disciplines being contested in the two weeks sports extravaganza.

Kalasinga says they have worked on various skills crucial for victories as the hosts aim for  podium finishes in both men and women’s categories.

The men’s team finished fourth last year in Kigali, Rwanda as their women counterparts bagged bronze.

“We have been training tirelessly at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi ahead of these games. We have perfected various skills including rope picking, pulling, standing and overcoming cautionary measures. 

“Our grips are much stronger now, our team work is amazing and alternative pulls are very solid, we now do everything in unison,” the Kabuchai Member of Parliament (MP) told Standard Sports.

He further went on: “We have worked on our positioning to ensure that the lead tugger, and the front, back and the lock are firm.”

In his personal build up to the games, Majimbo explains that he changed diet to gain weight which is crucial for his lock position as the last man on defence.

“We have the zeal, we have the fire, we feel inspired, we are ready to pull down everybody in this tournament. We want to win these titles,” he reiterated.

Likewise, Kenya  women’s lead tugger Jeruto Momanyi too has insisted that the women’s gold will remain at home this year.

So far the women have worked on perfecting their cater line positioning and are also very cautious of the first and second marks needed to be monitored for an effective pulling that will boost their effort and propel them to victory.

“I can feel I have built very stronger muscles and this is also evident among other seven members of the squad, so our opponents are in trouble,” says Jeruto who has bagged two titles and several medals with the Kenyan outfit since she stepped into the August House.

The EAC games are meant to widen, deepen and tighten the integration of East African states.

They are are being contested by MPs from Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and newcomer Somalia, alongside host nation Kenya.

The competitiond encompass eight sporting disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, tug of war, darts, and golf.

Sunday fixtures 

1.Volleyball women-Aga Khan Academy 

Kenya vs Uganda -8am

Burundi vs South Sudan 10am

2.Volleyball men-Aga Khan Academy

Kenya vs Uganda – 4pm

Tanzania vs EALA- 6 pm

Burundi vs Rwanda- 8pm

3.Netball- Aga Khan Academy

EALA- vs Tanzania -12 pm

Uganda vs Burundi – 2pm

South Sudan vs Kenya -4pm

4.Football-KPA Mbaraki

South Sudan vs Tanzania-2pm

Burundi vs EALA- 4pm

5.Basketball women- KPA Makupa

Kenya vs Uganda -4pm

Tanzania vs South Sudan – 6pm

6.Basketball men- KPA Makupa

Uganda vs Burundi-10 am

South Sudan vs Tanzania -12 pm