Muvunyi tipped to win medal at Rio Games

The National Paralympics Committee-Rwanda (NPC) president has tipped Hermas Cliff Muvunyi to win a medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games slated for September 7-18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Former world champion Muvunyi (Men’s 800m T-46 category) will represent the country in both the 400m and 1500m T-46 races. He qualified for both categories during the 2015 IAAF World Athletics Championship last October in Doha, Qatar. The 28-year old, fresh from winning two medals – a gold and silver – at the 2016 Berlin Open Grand Prix, which concluded on Sunday in the Germany, is currently on a short break and is set to resume preparations for the Rio Games, next week. Speaking to Times Sport on Wednesday, NPC boss Celestin Nzeyimana praised Muvunyi’s performances in Berlin, before tipped him to do even better in Rio. “He understands this is the best time for him to win a medal in Paralympic Games, following his debut at the London Games four years ago. Since his debut in 2012, he has gained a lot of valuable experience and running skills,” said Nzeyimana. He added that, “He performed very well at the Berlin GP, which is good for his confidence ahead of the Rio Paralympic Games. We will assist him in every possible way to make sure he keeps improving in the next seven weeks.” At the Berlin Open Grand Prix, Muvunyi won a silver medal in 400m before defying odds to claim gold in 1500m, his first gold medal in the 1500m category. His compatriot Jean Claude Ndayisenga won bronze in Men’s 400m T-47 category, but unfortunately his time was not good enough to qualify him for Rio. The 15th Paralympic Games will have a total of 526 events contested by athletes from over 175 countries. The Rio Games will also see the introduction of two new sports disciplines to the Paralympic programme, namely; Canoeing and Para-triathlon. In addition to Muvunyi, Rwanda will also be represented by the national women’s sitting volleyball team in the sport. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Muvunyi tipped to win medal at Rio Games