Rwanda names team for Delhi Games

RWANDA’s Olympic Committee (RNOC) has named a 22-man team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.The team, which is taking part in the Games for the very first time, consists of 15 track and field athletes, five cyclists, one swimmer and one boxer. Athletes hoping to make Rwanda’s presence felt on the track include Dieudonne Disi, Rashid Safari, Gervais Nizeyimana and two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame in full marathon (42.125km), Gervais Hakizimana in steeple-chase (3000m) and the trio of Jean Baptista Simuceka, Eric Sebahire and Sylvain Rukundo in 5000m and 10,000m races. Jean Claude Ndayisenga and Herman Muvunyi will compete in T46 races. South Africa-based rider Adrien Niyonshuti will lead Rwanda’s surge for honours. Others in the cycling team include four-time Tour of Rwanda champion Abraham Ruhumuriza, Nathan Byukusenge, Nicodem Habiyambere and Hategeka Gasore. The cyclists will compete in the 167km road race and 40km individual time-trial race among others. Matusi Haziza, who is fresh from last month’s Singapore Youth Games, will fly Rwanda’s flag in boxing while Alphonsine Agahozo hopes to do Rwanda proud when she competes in the 50m freestyle.According to RNOC’s Executive Director Thierry Ntwali, the team entered residential training yesterday at Hill Top hotel. The Games will run from October 3-14. Commonwealth Games team: Cycling: Nathan Byukusenge, Nicodem Habiyambere, Hategeka Gasore, Abraham Ruhumuriza and Adrien Niyonshuti Para-sport: Jean Claude Ndayisenga (100m) and Herman Muvunyi (100m). Athletics: Dieudonne Disi (Marathon), Gervais Hakizimana (3000m steeplechase), Saidi Hamisi Ndayisaba (100m & 200m), Sylvain Rukundo (5000m & 10000m), Eric Sebahire (5000m & 10000m), Jean Baptista Simuceka (5000m & 10000m), Gervais Nizeyimana (Marathon), Joseph Nzirorera (1500m), Rashid Safari (Marathon), Epiphanie Nyirabarame (Marathon), Claudette Mukasakindi (10000m), Jacqueline Murekatete (5000m) and Jean d’Arc Mukakigeri (5000m) Swimming : Alphonsine Agahozo (50m Freestyle)Boxing : Matusi Haziza (light weight) Coaches : Jonathan Boyer, Emmanuel Murenzi, Innocent Rwabuhihi, Charles Tuyisenge and Gashugi Kananura. Medics: Bulanga Umulisa Assumpta, Jean Damascene Gasherubuka and Emmanuel Nsengiyumva. Ends

Sports

Rwanda names team for Delhi Games