The national junior women's rugby 7s team, known as the Rising Lionesses, has made history by becoming Kenya's first ever team sport to win an Olympic medal. They secured the gold medal at the Dakar Youth Olympics last week, defeating Australia 17-12 in the Senegalese capital. This achievement has earned them a significant reward, with each player set to receive Ksh 250,000. The team's historic win has sparked widespread celebration across the country.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi announced the reward, expressing his pride in the team's performance. He noted that the Rising Lionesses have achieved something remarkable, as no other team sport from Kenya has won an Olympic gold medal before. Mwangi urged the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to build on the team's success and develop them into a side capable of competing at the highest levels of the game, including the World Rugby Series Division 1 and the World Cup.
The Rising Lionesses were welcomed back to Kenya with a red carpet reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday. The team was treated to a dinner with Mwangi on Saturday night, where their achievement was celebrated. The team's coach and players have been hailed as heroes, with many calling for increased support and investment in the sport.
The gold medal win is a significant milestone for Kenyan sports, marking a breakthrough in the country's rugby program. The team's success has raised expectations and hopes for future competitions, including the Africa 7s and the World Rugby Series. With the right support and investment, many believe that the Rising Lionesses can go on to achieve even greater things in the sport.
Mwangi's announcement of the reward was seen as a gesture of appreciation for the team's hard work and dedication. The Ksh 250,000 reward is a significant amount, and it is expected to motivate the team to continue performing at a high level. The team's players have been praised for their skill, teamwork, and determination, which were key factors in their historic win.
The Rising Lionesses' achievement has also sparked excitement and interest in rugby across Kenya. Many Kenyans have been inspired by the team's success, and there is a growing sense of optimism about the country's rugby prospects. The team's win has also highlighted the potential for Kenyan athletes to compete at the highest levels of international sport.
As the Rising Lionesses look to the future, they will be aiming to build on their historic win and achieve even greater success in the sport. With the right support and investment, they have the potential to become a dominant force in international rugby. The team's achievement has already had a lasting impact on Kenyan sports, and it is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes to take up the sport.
Key points
- The Rising Lionesses will each receive Ksh 250,000 for their historic gold medal win at the Dakar Youth Olympics.
