RWANDA’s boxing governing body; Raba wants to field four pugilists at the 2012 London Games. According to the body’s technical director Gashugi Kananura, it is time to have a local boxer competing at the Olympic Games. “We have challenged the boxers to hit the minimum qualification mark to make sure we field a big team,” Kananura, who also doubles as the national boxing head coach, said. The pugilists have one qualification avenue and that is the 10th All Africa Games slated to run from September 3-18 in Maputo, Mozambique. Kananura has therefore called for early preparations to make sure the pugilists are up for the task come September.“There are no miracles in boxing. It is always the best prepared who win fights so it is important that the lads have ample training before the tournament,” he said, adding, “The guys will need two-three build up tournaments to get into the competition mood.” Rwanda will heavily rely on their interesting prospect Haziza Matusi, who featured in last year’s Delhi Games.In Maputo, boxing is one of seven sporting disciplines Rwanda is expected to compete in. The others include athletics, lawn tennis, table tennis, Paralympics, cycling, and Karate. But the contingent could increase if the basketball and volleyball teams qualify from their respective zones. In the last edition held in Algiers, Rwanda returned empty handed. Dieudonne Disi was the country’s best performer following his fourth spot finish in the half marathon. The Olympic Games will run from July 27-August 12. Ends
