Four young Rwandan Karatekas arrive in the country today with four bronze medals they won during the just-concluded Seventh Cadets, Junior and Under-21 years African Championships, which ran from August 26-September 2 in Tunis, Tunisia.
Aisha Umuhoza shows off her medal in Tunis. Times Sport / Courtesy.
Jeanne d’Arc Umumararungu, 17, Alphani Nsabimana, 19, Aisha Umuhoza, 19, and Solange Ingabire, 20, each won bronze in their respective categories at the El Menzah Sports palace, the Olympic city in Tunis.
The Rwandan team of six – all black belts (Shodan) – also included Christian Rurangayire, 20, (Kumite over 78Kg) and Vanelly Ngarambe, 20, (Kumite under 68 Kg).
Umuhoza and Nsabimana competed in the individual Kata under 54kg category, while Ingabire and Umumararungu competed in Kumite in the over 60kg.
“All this came from hard work. When I was on the podium to receive my medal, I felt so proud of my country; I was so happy to see our flag being raised among the other flags. I hope to win gold next time,” Umuhoza told Times Sport.
Nsabimana said, “I am so happy. All I want now is to work harder, improve my training and, next time strike gold.”
Not first time
This is not the first time a Rwandan Karate team has won medals.
Last year, during the 14th African championships for senior Karatekas, held from September 7 to 9 in Rabat, Morocco, Sylvestre Twajamahoro and Rehema Kabera won two bronze medals.
By James Karuhanga, The New Times
