By Sosten Kiprono
Kenya’s delegation at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, continues to register encouraging results, with notable performances in judo and fencing.
The latest outcomes have pushed Kenya’s medal tally to 14, seven bronze, three silver and four gold, reflecting steady progress by the junior team competing against Africa’s emerging talent.
Rael Kulova and Harun Amin delivered two bronze medals in judo and Kinoti Kiara managed a third place finish in sabre fencing.
Kulova who is ranked 93rd globally in the juniors category and 233rd in the seniors, saw off her Nigerian counterpart in the under 48kg bronze category by scoring a yuko while Harun, who trains with the Kajiado Stars, made his debut at the continental level with a remarkable win by scoring a Waza-ari against his opponent from Senegal, and went a head to clinch a bronze medal with a Ippon in the under 50kg category.
“I’m so happy because besides this being my first time to play at the continental championship, this is my first time to board a flight. This win now gives me more energy to work hard. I want to play in more championships and win more medals,” said Harun.
Rael Kulova shines at African Youth Games
The win for Kulova saw her sign off the year in a high note after memorable outings in 2025 which included a Gold win at the Africa cup held in Casablanca, Morocco in January 17t, 2025.
She was also in the podium at Pretoria in both the cadet and junior Africa cup which were held on June 28th and 29th respectively in South Africa, where she won bronze on both events.
“I wanted to win gold but I’m happy for the bronze. The preparations were good and I knew the challenge would be high at this stage where everyone is eyeing to play at next year’s Youth Olympic Games. This year’s performance is like a sneak peak of how 2026 will be. I’m going back home a happy girl looking forward to more medals for my country Kenya,” said Kulova.
The youngster is set on representing the country at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, aiming to put Kenya’s judo in the international map.
Alice Chebet, the Head coach for the national Under-17 judo team and also the trainer for the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) judo team, praised the youngsters for their efforts and acknowledged that Judo is making headlines in the country.
“We really needed these wins at this particular time. The year is ending and we’re entering 2026 which will be very busy for judo. The training was intense for the last three months and the players have really done what I’ve been telling them. Mentally they are strong and that’s why despite losing their opening matches, they responded well in the subsequent ones.
I’m also happy to have contributed to the medal tally for Team Kenya. More is coming and I urge my players to keep up the spirit, determination and discipline as we head to 2026,” said Chebet.
Speaking on the team’s progress, National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Shadrack Maluki, who also serves as Africa Judo Chairman, highlighted the importance of broadening Kenya’s competitive focus beyond track and field events.
“Our strategy of diversification is bearing fruits. We’ve won medals in judo, karate and fencing, so overly reliant on track and field events for our success will come to an end.
We want to ensure that the other sports reach the level of our athletics and also ensure that the athletes hit another level as we head to Youth Olympics and Los Angeles 2028.”
