The Kenya Para Powerlifting national team delivered an outstanding performance at the recently concluded World Ability Sports Para Powerlifting Championships held at Mersin Amfi Tiyatro Park in Mersin, Turkey.
The team secured a total of four medals — one gold, one silver, and two bronze to finish second overall in the global competition.
Gold medalist Joash Otieno Obende could not hide his excitement after what he described as a “dream come true” debut on the international stage. His victory crowned Kenya’s remarkable showing in Turkey.
The medal haul began with Eugine Batu, who competed in the up to 59kg category alongside 16-year-old Lekaja Muraya. Muraya managed one successful lift out of three to finish fourth, while Batu impressed with two clean lifts to claim silver, Kenya’s first medal of the event.
In the up to 65kg category, Collins Adala and Joash Obende stole the show, thrilling the crowd with flawless performances — both registering three successful lifts out of three.
The judges, including Ehan Abassi (Iran), Veronica Kutchova (Czech Republic), and Ntalya Yskhay (Kazakhstan), unanimously awarded Obende the gold medal and Adala the bronze, acknowledging their exceptional form.
Kenya’s rising female lifters also made their mark. Sonia Tendai, a 19-year-old Form Three student at Joy Town Secondary School, made a memorable international debut by winning bronze in the up to 50kg category, achieving two clean lifts out of three.
Her schoolmate Margaret Wamaitha competed in the up to 67kg category, securing fourth place after one successful lift, while another Joy Town talent, Merceline Kavumbi, faced technical setbacks in the up to 61kg class, missing all three attempts to finish sixth.
Team Standings:
- 1st – Kazakhstan: 6 medals
- 2nd – Kenya: 4 medals
- 3rd – Turkey (hosts): 4 medals (tied with France)
- 5th – Croatia
- 6th – Brunei
- 7th – United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- 8th – Estonia: 1 medal
Following their impressive debut on the world stage, the Kenyan team will unwind on the scenic beaches of Pompei in Mersin as they cheer on the Kenya Para Badminton squad, which is set to contest two finals on Friday.
It was a well-earned rest for Team Kenya — a side that has proven its strength, discipline, and potential to dominate not only globally but also in the quest to conquer Africa in the near future.