Western Jaguars, BHC Simah shine at 2025 Annual International Nyota Hockey Festival

The 2025 Annual International Nyota Hockey Festival lived up to its billing over the weekend as hockey clubs from across the country battled for honours in a thrilling two-day Hockey 8s event that combined competition with a noble cause — raising awareness for breast and prostate cancer.

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The festival, organised by Twinkle Hockey Club, attracted an impressive turnout of 21 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams.

The men’s teams were divided into four competitive pools, with Pool A having Sikh Union Nairobi, Meximed International, Imekataa, Trojans, Simah and JKUAT.

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Pool B had Western Jaguars, KCA University, The Tribe, CHB Pioneers and Adani. Pool C had Strathmore University A, Naysayers, Parkroad, Maasai Mara University, and Kenya Police.

Pool D had Wazalendo, Strathmore University B, Nakuru Hockey Club, Black Tigers and University of Nairobi.

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The women’s category featured three pools, with Pool A having Amira Sailors, Twinkle A, Springboks, and Mwiki.

Pool B had BHC Simah, Kenyatta University, Wildcats and Parklands Hockey Club. Pool C had Strathmore University, Meximed International, Wazalendo Pearls and Twinkle B

In the men’s competition, Western Jaguars claimed the title after edging out Meximed International 1–0 in a tightly contested final.

Meximed International’s journey to the final was equally commendable. The side defeated Parkroad 2–0 in the quarters before edging Strathmore University B 1–0 in the semifinals, only to fall short in the decisive match.

Hillary Anga’airwa of Western Jaguars was named Men’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his consistent performance, while Gideon Mshindi of Strathmore University B finished as the men’s top scorer with four goals.

The women’s final also delivered excitement as BHC Simah edged hosts Twinkle Hockey Club A 2–1 on post-match shootouts after a goalless draw in regulation time.

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BHC Simah had earlier defeated Amira Sailors 2–1 on post-match shootouts in the semifinals after another barren draw, while Twinkle A overcame their sister side Twinkle B 1–0 in a thrilling intra-club derby decided on shootouts.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, Amira Sailors, BHC Simah, Twinkle A, and Twinkle B emerged victorious in closely contested matches that highlighted the depth and competitiveness of the women’s division.

Gilly Okumu of Amira Sailors claimed the women’s top scorer award with six goals, while Sheryl Laura of Meximed International was named the Women’s MVP.

Beyond the competition, the festival stood out for its strong message of cancer awareness and community impact, aligning sport with social responsibility.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Doreen Atieno Okiri, a member of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) Executive Committee, lauded Twinkle Hockey Club for its organisational efforts and commitment to social causes through sport.

“I congratulate all the winners, and I’m happy to be here and see excellence from all the teams and players.

We congratulate Twinkle Hockey Club for being able to pull off such an event — we will keep supporting such initiatives,” said Okiri.

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A Step Forward for Kenyan Hockey

Since its formation in 2023, Twinkle Hockey Club has quickly become one of the most progressive sides in Kenyan hockey — not just for their on-field performance, but for their professionalism in event organisation and corporate engagement.

With the 2025 Nyota Hockey Festival successfully attracting 24 partner organisations from diverse sectors, the event underscored the importance of sports marketing, brand confidence, and strategic partnerships in elevating hockey’s profile in Kenya.

Final Results Summary:

Men’s Champions: Western Jaguars

Runners-up: Meximed International

Women’s Champions: BHC Simah

Runners-up: Twinkle Hockey Club A

Men’s MVP: Hillary Anga’airwa (Western Jaguars)

Women’s MVP: Sheryl Laura (Meximed International)

Top Scorers: Gilly Okumu (Amira Sailors) – 6 goals; Gideon Mshindi (Strathmore University B) – 4 goals