RWANDA has sent three players for this year’s East Africa Judo Championships, which starts today and end tomorrow in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Rwanda Judo Federation president Christian Bishyika told Saturday Sport on Thursday, "We are heading to Kenya to win medals. We want to use this tournament to prepare for the African tournament to be held in Mauritius.”

"The players have had enough preparations and considering the talent in the team, we are optimistic they will shine,” added Bishyika.

The team which departed yesterday, is comprised of France-based Fred Yannick Uwase (-73kg), who represented Rwanda at the 2012 London Olympic Games, Ayubu Mugabo (-60kg) and Zuena Mukamana (-57kg). The team Coach is Joel Kafita Wawina.

Bishyika added that the Judo federation is looking forward to qualify for the Glasgow Games, which will bring together the crème of athletes from various countries across the world.

The Games will see 4,500 athletes compete for 261 medals in 17 sports, held in 14 venues around Glasgow.

In Kenya, Rwanda will battle for the top prize against Zanzibar, Uganda, Tanzania Mainland, Burundi, Rwanda and hosts Kenya.