Rwanda Athletics Federation has commended athletes Beatha Nishimwe and Honorine Iribagiza who won gold and bronze medals respectively at the Africa Youth Athletics Championships which was held from April 23-26 at Maryse Justin Stadium in Mauritius.

According to the RAF technical director, Jean Pierre Ndacyayisenga the youngsters made the country proud and they are going to prepare them well for the IAAF World Youth Athletics Championships scheduled for July 15-19 in Cali, Columbia.

"These youngsters gave everything to achieve this, and we are happy for them, they have made the country proud.  We are going to prepare them as best as we can for future competitions,” an evidently excited Ndacyayisenga told Times Sport on Monday.

He added, "Their performance shows that they have a bright future, and we want to congratulate them for their effort, now our task is to prepare them for the World Youth Athletics Championships.”

Nishimwe won gold medal in 1500m after she clocked 4 minutes and 17 seconds, while Iribagiza won bronze medal in 800m after clocking 2 minutes 13 seconds and 26 micro seconds and she also won a bronze medal in triple jump.

However, another Rwandan, Placide Igiraneza did not win any medal after finishing fourth in the boys’ 1500m, clocking 4 minutes and 16 seconds.

The Championship was open to boys and girls of U-17 years, and having at least 15 years of age.

The Preliminary entry figures show that 1424 athletes from 156 countries are set to compete at the IAAF World Youth Championships, Cali 2015 and it will be the biggest international athletics event to be held in South America.