Commonwealth Games-bound Judo preparations in top gear at Kasarani

Team Kenya's judo exponents are aiming to make a comeback to the Commonwealth Club Games when they compete at the 22nd edition in Birmingham after missing out on the last edition of the games in 2018 which were held in Gold Coast, Australia.

The team is currently training at a residential camp organized by the Government through the ministry of sports culture & heritage and National Olympic committee Of Kenya at Kasarani has its work cut out as it prepares for the Birmingham Games. 

Speaking during their training session, National Judo coach Joseph Mburu lauded the efforts of the government and NOC-K in ensuring the needs of the athletes are well catered for at the camp in Kasarani.

"This camp is a chance for the team to sharpen skills very well in advance before we leave to represent Kenya," said Mburu.

The team will be led by barrier-breaking female Judoka Felister Bosire of Kenya Police who made history when she became the first Kenyan woman to win a continental title in Senegal last year.

Bosire who won gold is optimistic that with the ample time given for training and preparation, she will be able to bring home a medal for Kenya when she goes to Birmingham.

"I had very limited skills and technique levels at the continental event, an aspect which my coach and I have been working to make better and for sure I can see that I have improved in the two. We have adapted well to being in the training camp generally and the environment is very conducive for us,” said Bosire.

Coach Mburu also highlighted the role the African Judo body will play in the development of Judo in the country now that the headquarters were brought to Kenya adding that it will highly influence the growth of the sport.

“Moving forward I think we have a very big opportunity to grow Judo. This means we will be exposed to international and continental events as well as have experienced coaches and experts who will definitely elevate our standards of play and level of expertise in the game," Mburu offered.