All set for 2024 Kirinyaga Open Kabadii Championships

It is all systems go as the Kenya Kabaddi Sports Federation (KKSF) announces dates for the second edition of the Kirinyaga Open Kabaddi Championships.

The one-day competition will be played on 23 February at Kagio Primary School Mutithi in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

Speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi, competitions manager Perpetual Muthoni said that the event will serve as the launch of the national league slated later for March.

"We are expecting at least 20 teams to grace this event,” she said. “Being our second successive year, we are big and ready for this. We are also trying to recruit more teams and might have a few rookies in this event as we continue with our agenda of spreading the Kabadii gospel across Kenya."

Muthoni further revealed that so far, 10 men's teams and nine women's teams will lock horns in the event, with a few others from the local area making an appearance for the first time as they hope to be registered in the national league.

Her sentiments were echoed by defending national league champions Kenya Police Service head coach Amos Kagiri, who noted that the federation would target primary and secondary schools in their quest to develop raw talent.

He also underscored the importance of the tournament in setting a platform for identifying and nurturing talent.

Kagiri further hinted at his charges defending the title they won last year at the same venue.

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Some of the teams that have already confirmed participation in the second edition of the championships include: Kenya Police, Administration Police, Kenya Prison, National Youth Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Utawala Star, Marurui, Shauri Moyo, Murang'a Warriors, newly formed Maasai Warriors, and Kiambu shakers.

Kenya Police Service won the inaugural edition last year in the men's category, while Administration Police ( AP) won the women's category.