THE Indian community in Rwanda, under their umbrella association, the Indian Association of Rwanda (INAR) Sunday evening formally closed their sports gala.The sports event, launched last month, was part of the preparations to mark 66th India Independence Day that falls on August 15.The sports gala was characterised by among others athletics, badminton, table tennis, swimming, chess, musical chair, tug of war and cricket competitions whose finals were held on Sunday evening at Utexrwa grounds. Speaking to Times Sport, the coordinator of INAR sports committee Mukri Mohammed Hussein said the competition went well and that the winners will receive their prizes on Independence Day on Wednesday.“There was a strong participation, all the events were competitive and the winners will walk away with trophies and other prizes on Wednesday,” he said.“We are proud of Rwanda’s secure and conducive environment that enabled our sports activities to be successful.”The gala was open to all categories – men, women and children. Similar competitions were last held in 2004.Mukri said they are planning to engage other communities like the Chinese and the locals (Rwandans), among others, in athletics competitions.There are about 1,500 Indians living in Rwanda, working in different fields, including mining, education, energy and ICT sectors.The community has four cricket clubs playing in the national league. They include; Kigali, Challengers, Strikers and Indorwa.INAR provides a common identity to the Indian Community in Rwanda through promotion of unity, friendship and goodwill based on mutual understanding and cooperation.
