Pugilists battle for Maputo slots

LOCAL boxers have upped training ahead of the upcoming 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique. Four slots are up for grabs and the national team head coach Kananura Gashugi told Times Sport yesterday that over ten boxers are in camp training. “They are training twice a day at Amahoro stadium and like we normally do, we shall pick the best four at the end of the training camp,” said Gashugi. France-based Jean Morris Bikorimana who recently secured an Olympic solidarity sponsorship is the only boxer who will not go into the selection for a slot on the national team. “He is up there in terms of skill and experience so he is an obvious choice for us,” Gashugi added. The Games are also meant to sharpen Bikorimana ahead of next year’s London Olympic Games. Apart from boxing, Rwanda will also compete in basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, athletics, tennis, table tennis, karate, swimming, cycling and sport for the disabled. In the last edition held in Algiers in 2007, Rwanda failed to win a medal. Dieudonne Disi came closest to the podium after a fourth spot finish in the half marathon. This years event is slated to run from September 3-18; attracting over 5000 athletes competing in 23 disciplines. Zimpeto stadium is the official venue for the Games. Ends

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Pugilists battle for Maputo slots