Rael Kulova among others produced a strong performance at the ANOCA Zone V Judo Games by winning five gold, three silver and one bronze as Kenyans prepare ations for the Youth Olympics.
Kulova won the women’s under-52kg category after moving from 48kg specifically with the Youth Olympics in mind and is now focusing on both her mental and physical preparation.
“I shifted from under 48 to under 52 because of the Youth Olympics. I expected much but I only had one tournament. I’m preparing mentally and physically for the next step. The Olympics are tough but I’m preparing well,” Kulova said.
John Ouko claimed gold in the men’s under-73kg category, with Refugee athlete Christian Yafunga taking silver.
Kelvin Onganya also won gold in the men’s under-66kg category, ahead of compatriot Isaac Otieno, who took silver, while Arnold Yafunga of the Refugees won bronze.
Kenya’s other gold medals came through Haron Benson in the men’s under-60kg category and Abuta Vincent in the under-90kg division.
In the women’s events, Quinter Gracious won silver behind Kulova in the under-52kg category. Triza Juma claimed silver in the under-63kg division, with Rosemary Wanjiru taking bronze. Burundi’s Lusinge Kevine won gold.
Kenya national team coach Peterson Mbugua praised the performance and said the event was also important in identifying athletes who could represent Kenya at the Youth Olympics.
“The event was nice. We emerged with the overall medal win. We are expecting some of the ones participating today to represent us in the Youth Olympics,” Mbugua said.
Mbugua is confident Kenya can win medals at the Youth Olympics, highlighting Kulova’s African gold medal as a source of optimism.
“We expect medals from Team Kenya in the Youth Olympics. We have Rael Kulova who is a gold medalist in Africa,” he said.