Kickboxing: Germany, Congo Show Interest For Kenya Open At Kasarani
NAIROBI, Kenya- Several international associations have shown interests for the 2022 Kenya Open Kickboxing Championships slated for Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on December 17.
Uganda, Tanzania, Congo and Germany have shown great interests for the annual prestigious competition whose participants go beyond the Kenyan borders.
“Our federation Secretary General, Willie Nganga is in communication with the different international associations for the much awaited tournament,” Kenya Kickboxing Federation (KKF) National Competition Secretary Jeff ‘Master’ Takid told Standard Sports.
“But before that, the KKF will hold a two-day national referees and coaches seminar in Nairobi on November 26-27 to help the tacticians refresh their minds and upgrade their skills in the sport,” underlined Takid who also doubles as the national team head coach.
In order to stage a successful event, the KKF have made an appeal to the government to come on board to support them in hosting the Kenya Open.
“The Kenya Open Kickboxing is not only a noble championship, but it is a competition that gives local players exposure and at the same time helps them to unearth their hidden talents,” Takid explained.
According to Takid, kickboxing, as a sport, has great potential to develop a player’s artistry and creativity if taken very seriously.
In a bid to expand and grow the sport, the KKF have planned to take the game to the grassroots so it can be embraced by Kenyans from all walks of life.
“We will visit mostly the learning institutions; from the Primary schools to Universities and Colleges to create awareness about the sport.
“Of course we are also not forgetting the disciplined forces like the National Police Service, the General Service Unit, the National Intelligence Service and the Kenya Prisons.
“We are happy that the game is picking up so well after its introduction at the Kenya Defence Forces, which already has a formidable outfit, the Ulinzi Kickboxing Team,” Takid highlighted.
Meanwhile, the KKF recently held its 2022 Chairman’s Cup Kickboxing Championships at the Pumwani Social Hall in Nairobi where Hardcore Kickboxing Team won gold as the overall winners.
Ulinzi were second placed for silver while third placed Dragons were good for bronze in the annual tournament held in honour of the current federation chairman Iraki Kangethe.
Nakuru, the United States International University- Africa, Takids and One Tribe finished the championships in that order.
Selected 2022 Chairman’s Cup Kickboxing Championships results
Boys U-14
Titus Bwire (Hardcore) defeated Issa Marley (Dragons) on TKO
Girls U-13
Tessy Nabwire (Hardcore) defeated Milkah Khanchi (Takid) on points.
Men U-60 kgs
1. Mathew Lwane (hardcore)- Gold
2. Norman Mondo (One Tribe)- Silver
3. Martyne Mbugua (Ulinzi)- Bronze
Men U-67 kgs
1. Meshack Okuku (Hardcore) – Gold
2. Peter Njiru (Ulinzi) – Silver
3. Eugene Oyugi (Hardcore) – Bronze
Men U-91 kgs
1. Brian Ochieng (Nakuru) – Gold
2. Brucely Abungana (Dragons) – Silver
