In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Burundi National Police emerged as the force to be reckoned with on day one of the East Africa Interforces Judo Championship, claiming five gold medals and overshadowing rivals from DR Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
The Burundian team’s impressive performance was led by Arnaud Niyonyishu, who clinched gold in the men’s -66kg category, and Lyn Irakoze, who triumphed in the -73kg division.
Host nation Uganda Police put up a respectable fight, collecting five medals, including two silver and three bronze.
Susan Awio and Veronica Ayo won silver in the -48kg and -57kg categories, respectively, while Teddy Aloro, Joan Nabirye, and Gabriel Kiplimo secured bronze medals.
DR Congo’s Jean Botihi Mongida was the only non-Burundian gold medalist, winning the men’s -60kg category.
The championship continues on Sunday, with the decisive clashes in the men’s and women’s categories, offering teams a chance to grab more medals and the coveted championship trophies.
Four weight categories in the men’s -81kg, -90kg, -100kg and +100kg categories, alongside the women’s -63kg, -70kg, -78kg and +78kg willbeheldtomorrow.
More medals—and the coveted championship trophies—will be up for grabs as the tournament reaches its climax.
With five countries vying for regional supremacy, the tournament is shaping up to be the most competitive edition yet of the East Africa Interforces Judo Championship.
