Africa Youth and All Africa Games squads named

JUDO
Part of selected judo players for All Africa Games and Senior Africa Championship at Kaloleni Social Hall on Saturday .

The Kenya Judo Association (KJA) has selected 16 players to represent the country at the All Africa Games set for Brazzaville, Congo, in September.

KJA picked another 20 players for the forthcoming Cadet and Youth Africa Championship in Bujumbura, Burundi, in July. At the same time, 12 players were picked for the 37th Senior Africa Judo Championship in Gabon on April 23-29.

The Congo and Gabon-bound squads will use the championships as qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

"The Gabon-bound squad will enter camp immediately after Easter on April 8. The squad will depart on April 20 for the Senior Africa Judo Championship," said KJA Communication Officer Duncan Chemiryo.

Continental silver medallist Esther Akinyi emerged the champion in the women's over 78kg during the KJA National League staged at Kaloleni Social Hall in Nairobi on Saturday.

"I am glad to be part of the squad that will represent Kenya in the Senior Africa and All Africa Games contests. I am looking forward to earning gold in the events," said Akinyi.

East Africa gold medallist Diana Kana beat Dorine Okoth (2-1) and Mary Wanjiku (3-0) to emerge best in the women's U-63kg category. Okoth finished second followed by Wanjiku in third place.

Milton Mamali, who topped the cadet selections, was closely followed by Samuel Mungai. Chemiryo said the Cadet and Youth selection was reserved for players within the 15-20 years age bracket.

East Africa gold medallist Collins Oloo of Kenya Prisons dominated the Senior Men U-60kg after flooring Alex Mwiti of Kenyatta University and club mate Stephen Mnjama 2-1 each.

Peterson Gatheru of Rongai Judo Club won the men's U-66kg category, while Joseph Nzaro and Antony Mayiwa (Kenya Prisons) came second. Isaak Muale (Prisons) overcame Evans Musabwa (Egerton University) 2-1 to lift the men's U-23kg.