The national women’s boxing team, Hit-Squad, left for Serbia on Thursday ahead of the 14th edition of the World Boxing Championship scheduled 8th-16th March in Nis,Serbia.
The Hit Squad is being led by captain Elizabeth Andiego who will be participating in her fifth World Championship.
‘’We are hoping for a good performance we are going for medals we know its not easy it’s a world championship but we are ready’’, Andiego said.
Andiego, the light heavy weight pugilist is joined by 7 other boxers in the team: Light flyweight- Veronica Mbithe, Flyweight- Lancer Akinyi, Bantamweight- Amina Martha, Featherweight- Pauline Chege, lightweight- Emily Juma, light welter- Cynthia Mwai, welter- Friza Anyango.
Amina Martha one of the experienced in the squad ,who will be participating in her third championship is hopeful of going one better this time round.
‘’Am very ready for the medal I will give my all. The coaches have done their part and we have also gone extra mile in getting ready. All is well and am going for the medal’’, Martha said.
Emily Juma a product of Kariobangi North’s Box Girls will be making her debut at the international stage as well as Cynthia Mwai and Lancer Akinyi.
‘Am excited this being my debut, I have trained well and the coaches have also done their part in preparing us ahead of the games. I expect to perform well and I will give it my best’’,Juma remarked.
Head coach Benjamin Musa expressed optimism of the team performing well despite preparation hiccups.
“We’re heading into the competition with high hopes. It’s been tough since we didn’t have a proper residential training camp, but we believe in our fighters.If the draw is favourable and our debutants rise to the occasion, we can cause major upsets. The ring is where champions are made, and we’re ready to fight,” said coach Musa.
This will be Kenya’s fifth appearance at the Championship having appeared in the 2010,2012,2022 and 2023 editions.
The Championship has attracted 500 boxers from over 40 Countries.
Gold medallists will receive $100,000 USD, with silver medallists winning $50,000, each of bronze claiming $25,000 and, for the first time in the tournament’s history, all quarter-finalists will receive $10,000..
