President Paul Kagame has commended the local cricket fraternity for their efforts in promoting and developing the sport in the country.

In a recorded statement posted on YouTube, President Kagame said that, "Sports is a unifying force that builds both individual character and national cohesion, and cricket is no exception.”

The President hailed the record-breaking feat by national team captain Eric Dusingizimana as a "fitting example of the perseverance and determination that characterise our people.”

In May, this year, Dusingizimana became the first cricket player worldwide to bat for an astonishing 51 hours without a break.

During the marathon effort, he faced deliveries from former UK Prime minister Tony Blair, while the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, William Gelling, bowled him the first ball.

The 29-year old was raising money to help build the first international cricket stadium in Rwanda.

President Kagame noted, "Building Rwanda’s first cricket stadium is an objective which cricket lovers both in Rwanda and around the world can rally around.”He congratulated Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation for their tireless efforts and wished them every success.

Construction of the Rwf950.2 million state-of-the-art international cricket stadium began June, this year, at Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District. The development of the stadium, on a 4.5 hectare site, is expected to be completed in two years.

Upon completion, the pitch will be the first of its kind in Rwanda and the region.

The Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) continues to promote the sport in schools and universities as well as among Rwanda’s most disadvantaged young people across the country.

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