Kenya wrestlers association picks 13 for World Championship

At least 13 wrestlers have qualified to represent Kenya in the forthcoming Wrestling World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

Kenyan Amateur Wrestling Association (KAWA) Treasurer Anthony Kariuki was confident of the athletes who made the list and assured Kenyans of glory.

“We are trying to grow the sport in Kenya and we are making strides. Our task is to popularize the sport as we now have willing youngsters who just need to be nurtured,” Kariuki said.

The players who also participated in the just concluded 38th edition of the Africa Senior Wrestling Championships in Tunisia, late last month, have now all eyes set on Belgrade.

In the women’s category, Africa Championships bronze medallist Emma Wangila in the under 50 kilos will be joined by Eunice Wangila U-65 kilos, Emily Wanyama U-62 kilos, Mary Naliaka and Winrose Alividza both of U-70 kilos.

The men’s team has named veteran Brian Oloo U-70 Kilos, Mathayo Makhabilia U-74 Kilos, Levi Simiyu U-67 Kilos, Davis Oriwa U-57 Kilos, Dan Aura U-90 Kilos, John Omondi U-97 Kilos and Kenneth Koech U-61 Kilos.

While in Tunisia, Kenya was ranked seventh out of ten in the Men’s free style category with 52 points and eighth in the Men’s Greco Roman after getting 23 points.

In the women’s free style category, Kenya finished fifth after garnering 58 points.

Team manager Erick Walucho emphasized the need for the squad to qualify for 2024 Olympic games in Paris adding that Winrose Alividza, Emma Wangila, Emily Wanyama and Mathayo Makhabilia will participate in the Beach Games set for June 16-28 in Tunisia after qualifying through the African Championships.

The Wrestling World Championships are scheduled for 2023 September 16-24 in Serbia’s capital city, eastern Europe.

KAWA’s main aim now is to popularize wrestling in Kenya and attract youngsters who will be nurtured through tournaments and leagues.