Wrestling Stars Eye Dakar 2026 After Striking Gold Again at East Africa Championships

A resilient Kenya Amateur Wrestling national team showcased grit, skill, and determination on both mat and sand to claim top honours at the second edition of the Regional Development Tournament (REDT) East Africa Amateur Wrestling Championships.

The two-day event, held in Nairobi, Kenya, saw Kenya, comprising both men and women from junior to senior levels, dominate from start to finish.

Competing at the Kenyatta University, where freestyle wrestling took centre stage, the hosts bagged an impressive 12 gold and four silver medals.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

On day two at the Strathmore University, in the beach wrestling category, Kenya added five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals to cement their place at the top of the standings.

Burundi finished as first runners-up, Mauritius came in third, while neighbours Uganda settled for fourth place.

Speaking after the tournament on Sunday at Strathmore University, junior boys head coach Mark Onguyesi Omumasaba expressed his pride in the young athletes’ performances.

“Having 14- and 15-year-olds in the national team winning medals gives us hope that Kenya can qualify many athletes for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics,” said the former African beach wrestling champion, now coach.

“They’re getting the techniques right, and seeing them win brings tears of joy to my eyes.”

The Kenya Amateur Wrestling Association (KAWA) also used the championship to select teams in the U-15, U-17, and U-20 categories for the upcoming Africa Beach Wrestling competition, set for September 4 to 5 in Casablanca, Morocco.

Vincent Aka, Regional Development Officer (RDO) from United World Wrestling (UWW), lauded Kenya’s efforts in athlete development.

“I’m glad Kenya is investing in its future by producing more qualified coaches and referees. The recent coaching and refereeing course will sharpen their skills and help grow amateur wrestling, especially among young athletes,” he said.

With Kenya retaining the title for the second year running, the focus now turns to the September games in Morocco and the long-term preparations for the U-15 squad targeting the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.