Seasoned sprinter Asamba clinches Tujiamini Initiative Nationwide Gold Award

Dan Asamba (centre) poses for a photo with SportPesa's Brand Ambassador, 'Biggie' and Public Relations and Advertising Executive, Deborah Chepkirui. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Seasoned sprinter Dan Kiviasi Asamba has added another accolade to his illustrious career by winning the Tujiamini Initiative Nationwide Gold Award.

The veteran athlete, renowned for his prowess in the 100 and 200-meter sprints, has been a standout figure in Kenya's athletics scene for over a decade.

Asamba, who doubles as a Prisons officer and a member of the Utawala Star Sprints Club, has represented Kenya in numerous international competitions.

His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he led the Kenyan team to a gold medal at the Africa Championships in Mauritius. Now, his victory in the Tujiamini Initiative marks a pivotal milestone as he continues his pursuit of international success.

The Tujiamini Initiative, powered by SportPesa, was launched in February 2024 to identify and nurture promising talent across sports and related fields. The initiative received over 22,000 submissions from eight regions and one nationwide entry, benefitting 750 winners across Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.

Speaking after his win, Asamba expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the future.

“My growth in the field has been gradual but steady, and this win feels like a culmination of everything I’ve worked for over the last ten years,” said Asamba. “I now have an incredible opportunity and the resources to help refine my training, including the adoption of scientific metrics in my preparation and performance regime. By integrating more scientific methods in my training, nutrition, and recovery, I’m confident of reaching my full potential in the next year.”

Asamba's immediate focus is on qualifying for the World Athletics Indoor Championships set to take place in China in March 2025. This will be followed by the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, later in the year. These events form part of his long-term preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Tujiamini Initiative organizers hailed Asamba's discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence, which they credited as key drivers of his success.

Perpetual Mbutu, a sprints coach and founder of the Utawala Star Sprints Club, lauded Asamba’s work ethic and highlighted the importance of the award.

“Asamba is arguably the best sprinter in the Prisons department and is truly deserving of this award due to his work ethic and commitment to the sport. With the financial support and recognition that comes with the award, he will be able to push the boundaries with his training and eventually reap the benefits in improved performances,” said Mbutu.

Pius Shiundu, Head of Operations at DBA Africa, a partner in the Tujiamini Initiative, underscored the significance of sports sponsorships in nurturing grassroots talent.

“We are proud to support exceptional talent like Asamba, whose dedication to excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Tujiamini Initiative. This award is more than an athletic accomplishment; it represents a significant step forward in career growth for Asamba, especially with his intention to incorporate scientific metrics in measuring his training, preparation, and performance ahead of the 2025 season. This will not only benefit him but also set a good example for young sprinters in Utawala Star Sprints Club,” explained Shiundu.

Asamba's recognition as the Tujiamini Gold winner not only celebrates his achievements but also sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career. With financial backing, enhanced training methodologies, and a renewed focus on international events, the sprinter is well-poised to elevate Kenyan athletics on the global stage.

As the 2025 season looms, fans and aspiring athletes alike will be watching closely as Asamba continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of sprinters.