Rwanda has qualified for both the men and women’s beach volleyball events at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games to be held from August 16-28 in Nanjing, China.
The girls’ side comprised of Seraphine Mukantambara and Lea Uwimbabazi has emerged African champions automatically qualifying for the second edition of the biggest youth sports event in the world.
The pair defeated Mauritius 2-1 (21-18, 21-13) and lost to Namibia 2-0 (23-21) in the group stages before seeing off the hosts Ghana 2-0 (21-9, 21-14) in the semi-final to qualify for the final. Rwanda defeated Namibia 2-0 to be crowned African champions.
In the boys’ category, Rwanda defeated Congo Brazaville 2-1 (21-10, 16-21, 15-12) before losing to Nigeria 2-1 (18-21, 21-16, 14-16) in the group stages. Rwanda saw off Namibia 2-0 (21-18, 21-9) before beating Sierra Leone 2-0 (21-12, 21-9).
Ranked fourth in Group B, Rwanda played against third placed Egypt from Group A and emerged winners after shocking the North Africans 2-1 to finish sixth on the African continent and also booked a place to Nanjing.
Head coach Paul Bitok said, "This is the only way to go. We came here to qualify but eventually the girls became champions. We have to keep participating in youth events and then we shall have a future for sports in Rwanda."
This is the first time that Rwanda has qualified for the Youth Olympic Games, however, at the first edition of the quadrennial event in Singapore, Rwanda was represented by four athletes in athletics, boxing and swimming.
"This is a great moment for Rwanda and will lay a foundation for us as a country as we look forward to competing at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games," explained Elie Manirarora, the chef de mission to the Nanjing event.
At this year’s event, Rwanda also has wildcards to participate in athletics, cycling and swimming and beach volleyball makes it four sporting disciplines.
For more information, please contact:
RNOSC Communications Director Usher Komugisha via:
Telephone : +250787683293 or via email : ukomugisha@olympicrwanda.org
Or visit our website : www.olympicrwanda.org
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