Akinyi, Ongare bundled out of Russia tourney

'Hit Squad' pugilists Christine Ongare and Elizabeth Akinyi will now have to watch the action from the sidelines of the Konstantin Korotkov Memorial International Boxing Championships in the city of Khabarovsk, Russia, after they were eliminated in the first round. 

Commonwealth Games' flyweight bronze medalist Ongare who was up against Estonian Diana Gorishnaya, lost on a unanimous points’ decision in the opening match. 

On her part, Africa Zone Three welterweight bronze medalist Akinyi was beaten by Maria Moronto of Dominican Republic to bow out of the 20-nation tournament being used by most boxers, including the Kenyans as part of their preparations to the Olympics Games later this year.  

However, the coaching staff led by head coach Benjamin Musa have maintained that gaining some exposure ahead of the Olympics was their main goal as opposed to winning adding that this tournament will help them prepare the team from a point of knowledge on where improvements are needed.

Ongare and Akinyi are now left to cheer on their male counterparts two-times Olympian and Africa Zone Three super heavyweight champion Elly Ajowi and the 2015 Africa Boxing Championships lightweight (60kg) gold medalist Nick Okoth who will be in action on Thursday, 13 May.