Kenya emerged as the overall champions of the inaugural East Africa Regional Development Tournament (EAREDT) in amateur wrestling, securing top positions across various categories during the event held in Nairobi over the weekend.
Kenya accumulated 121 points after excelling in both freestyle and beach wrestling categories, which included participants ranging from juniors under 15, 17, and under 20 years old, as well as seniors in both men’s and women’s divisions.
This victory marks Kenya’s first regional win in wrestling, achieved on home soil, a success that national team coach and Technical Director Linus Masheti attributes to raising the sport’s profile in the region.
“Most of our medals came in through the seniors while our juniors who we call cadets have registered mixed results, it shows that we are somewhere in between good and average. Our main intentions now and focus will all go to the school-going children as we aim at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal,” said Masheti on Sunday after the conclusion of beach Wrestling at Strathmore University in Nairobi.
Burundi emerged as a surprise package, securing second place with 16 points, while neighbouring Tanzania clinched third place with nine points on the podium. Uganda and Mauritius both garnered four points each, placing them fourth and fifth, respectively, while Sudan closed the rankings with one point.
In beach wrestling specifically, Kenya dominated with 45 points, followed by Burundi with nine points, Tanzania with three points, and Mauritius with two points.
“ This competition has tested our endurance and tactical approach for the game. We need more of such competitions either home or abroad because they prepare us for international ones like the olympics which I have missed and also by so doing, we are going to raise the standards of Wrestling in East Africa, “ said beach Wrestling gold medalist Mathayo Mahabila who also won a bronze medal during the 2023 Africa beach Wrestling games in Tunisia.
Kenya Armature Wrestling Association ( KAWA) president Anthony Kariuki and Secretary General Erick Walucho both agreed that following the successful regional Championships, the local Association in conjunction with the world Amarture wrestling governing body will now organize more events across Kenya In a bid to develop the sport.
“ This is the way to go and we have to thank United World Wrestling a lot for funding this program here in Kenya. We hope that this will be a regular thing, doing it at least thrice a year as we target the 2028 Summer Olympics Games in Los Angeles,” said Kariuki.
Development Director at United World Wrestling (UWW), Deqa Diamkey, emphasized that the global governing body for amateur wrestling has committed to supporting Kenya over the next three years in hosting the East Africa Wrestling Championships.
This initiative includes coaching courses, referees training, youth tournaments, and camps aimed at promoting amateur wrestling not only in Kenya but also across East Africa.
Following the conclusion of the inaugural East Africa Regional Development Tournament in Nairobi, where 150 athletes from six countries competed, Kenya emerged as the dominant force in both freestyle and beach wrestling categories. With UWW’s backing, attention now turns to Kenya to develop wrestling talent and strengthen the sport across the East African region.
