As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games get underway, Rwanda's para-athletes are gearing up with renewed determination after a challenging showing at the recent Olympic Games. Rwanda is represented by the women's sitting volleyball team and runner Emmanuel Niyibizi in the 1500m. The Rwandan sitting volleyball team, which made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympics as the first Sub-Saharan women's team to compete in any sport, is aiming to make an impact, this time in Paris, despite the hurdles they've faced. Rwanda has been drawn into a tough Group B for the Games alongside formidable opponents, including Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists Brazil, Canada, and Slovenia. They lost their opening match to Brazil in three straight sets on Thursday. They can fix their tough start to the Games if they can beat Slovenia in their second game on Saturday. This challenging draw comes on the heels of the team’s successful qualification through their victory at the ParaVolley Africa Championship in Nigeria earlier this year. Captained by the inspirational Liliane Mukobwankawe, the team aims to leverage their extensive preparation and experience to exceed their previous performances. Mukobwankawe, 35, has been a stalwart for the Rwandan sitting volleyball team, leading them in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Despite finishing eighth and seventh respectively in those Games, her leadership and dedication have been crucial in driving the team forward. I have talked about winning a medal in Paris or Los Angeles [in 2028] because I see that there have been changes in my team, Mukobwankawe stated confidently. We have a new coach with lots of experience, a good group of players who know each other well. We have done lots of training sessions since last year and played in lots of international tournaments, she added. The Rwanda’s journey began after London 2012, inspired by the success of their men’s team. Their breakthrough came at Rio 2016, where they made history as the first Sub-Saharan African women's team to qualify for the Paralympics. Although they did not win a match at Rio 2016, their participation was transformative for the sport in Rwanda. The team made strides at Tokyo 2020 by securing their first Paralympic victory against hosts Japan, marking a significant milestone. As the Paris Paralympics begin, the team’s focus is not just on competing but on achieving a medal, a loss against Brazil won’t stop them from dreaming. The addition of a seasoned coach (Mossad Rashad) and the team's extensive international exposure are expected to play pivotal roles in their performance. Mossad’s experience and the team’s solid preparation since last year’s championship could prove instrumental in overcoming their tough draw. Sitting volleyball made its Paralympic debut at Arnheim 1980, with the first women’s competition held at Athens 2004. Meanwhile, the Rwandan delegation will also be represented by Emmanuel Niyibizi, who is set to make his Paralympics debut in the men’s T46 1500m. He qualified for the Paris Paralympics after winning the Dubai 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix, clocking 3 minutes and 58 seconds. He will compete on Saturday, August 31, at 10:58am Niyibizi’s participation adds a fresh dynamic to the team, although the absence of Hermas Muvunyi, a former world champion and three-time Paralympian, will be felt. Muvunyi’s retirement, following his non-qualification for Paris, marks the end of an era for Rwandan Para-athletics. The 32-year old Muvunyi, who has been a leading figure in Rwandan Para-sports, won multiple medals and brought significant attention to the country’s Paralympic efforts. The middle-distance runner is considered Rwanda’s most successful Para athlete of all time having won a number of medals on the international stage. He captured gold in the men’s T46 400 metres and silver in the 800m at the Maputo 2011 Para-Africa Games before defending his 400m title at Brazzaville 2015. Sandwiched between those two successes, Muvunyi struck gold in the T46 800m at both the World Para Athletics Championships in Lyon and Francophonie Games in Nice in 2013. Muvunyi also represented Rwanda at the London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics but has yet to pick up a medal. Rwanda’s quest for a Paralympic medal has seen mixed results over the years. Since making their debut in Sydney 2000, the Rwandan Paralympic team has participated in every subsequent edition. The only Paralympic medal achieved so far came from Jean de Dieu Nkundabera at Athens 2004, who won bronze in the men’s T46 800m. In Paris, hope is that Rwanda’s athletes are driven by the hunger of ending their medal drought and making a strong statement on the global stage, though it's easier said than done. The 2024 Paris Paralympics, running from August 28 to September 8, promises to be a landmark event with a record number of delegations and female athletes. The Games will feature 22 sports and a total of 549 medal events, providing a platform for Rwanda’s athletes to showcase their talent.
