East African games gold medalist, Islam Mulinda is ready to defend his title when the games unfold from December1-2 here in Kigali.

"I’m training very hard for the event. I don’t feel afraid of any athlete,” said Mulinda after one of his daily training sessions at Amahoro national stadium last week.

The 19-year old won gold in 100m and a bronze in the 200m sprints last year and he hopes to successfully repeat the feat again.

Fresh from sitting his senior six final examinations, the teenage star sprinter believes he has the potential to beat any opponent from the region.

Mulinda also the reigning 100m and 200m national champion and next month’s event would be his third contest in a row at home, which gives him the chance to extend his dominancy.

In a brief interview with Times Sport at Amahoro, the national team star said he is training for two events, the EA games and the national championship.

The later takes place a week after the former.

The Nyamasheke Athletics Club sprinter noted that it would become a better competitor if he joined an international camp, which would give him a chance to training on standard facilities and with experienced athletes under the guidance of professional coaches.

Other athletes preparing for the East African games started residential training ten days ago in Muhanga district of the Southern Province.

The athletes were selected during the August inter-schools competitions which took place at Muhanga district stadium.

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