NOC-K hosts second edition of Kenya beach games in Malindi

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) proudly inaugurated the second edition of the Kenya Beach Games on Friday at the Buntwani Beach Waterfront in Malindi, Kilifi County. With 14 exhilarating sports and a staggering 1600 talented athletes, the event promises non-stop action and unparalleled excitement.

The games feature a diverse range of individual and team sports, including Aquathlon, Cycling, Beach Wrestling, Sprint Rowing, Kayaking, Open Water Swimming, Judo, 3x3 Basketball, Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Beach Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Taekwondo, and the debut of Beach Hockey.

Before the commencement of the second edition, NOC-K conducted an Administrative Course in collaboration with the Kilifi County Department of Sports. This initiative equipped 60 county administrators with the necessary skills to ensure the seamless execution of the games.

From the adrenaline-fueled competitions to the bustling sidelines, the atmosphere at Buntwani Beach has been nothing short of electric.

Men’s Football

The men's football tournament witnessed fierce competition, with eight formidable teams vying for glory. Mombasa Heroes, defending champions Watamu, Yanga, and Baobab emerged as the top contenders, advancing to the semi-finals.

On their way to the semis, Watamu thrashed Bandari Youth 5-2, Mombasa Heroes defeated hosts Buntwani 5-3 while Shells sailed through to the semis after beating Baobab United 1-0 in the penalty shoot having played to a 4-4 all draw in the regulation time. Yanga booked the last four after defeating Elcontrol 5-3 in the post penalty shoot-out having played to a 3-3 all draw. Mombasa Heroes have a date with Watamu in the first semi, while Yanga will face off with Baobab in the other semi-final.

Beach Women’s Football

Eight exceptional teams competed in the women's football category, with defending champions MTG United, Mombasa Olympic, Fortune, and Ocean D securing their spots in the semi-finals after captivating quarter-final matches.

Champions MTG defeated Mombasa Queens 6-3. Olympic Mombasa overwhelmed Kilifi Queens 5-3 as Ocean D held their nerves to beat Malindi Queens 4-3. Fortunate reigned supreme against Bull Starlets 5-2. Mombasa Olympic will play Ocean in one of the semi-finals, while MTG will face off with Fortune in another semis.

MTG beat Mombasa Olympic 2-1 to win the first edition that was held at the same venue last year.

Beach Hockey

Making its debut at the Kenya Beach Games, beach hockey saw Daikyo Heroes and Mvita from Mombasa seize early semi-final berths following impressive performances in the pool matches.

Daikyo who recently earned promotion to the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League, from Super League, defeated Black Tigers 2-0, before they humiliated Mombasa Sports Club 5-1. Daikyo would then beat Blue Ocean Chief 4-1 before they wrapped up their pool "A" match with a win against Black Tigers 2-0. In pool "B" Mvita overwhelmed Tunza Sports 4-1, then played to a 2-2 draw against Mombasa West before they beat Malindi Hockey Club 3-1. Black Tigers who finished second in pool "A" will tackle Mombasa West who finished third in pool "B" in the play-off, while Malindi Club who finished second in pool "B" have a date with Blue Ocean who finished third in pool "A". The winners in the play-offs will join Daikyo and Mvita in the last four.

Wrestling

The wrestling arena was a battleground of skill and determination as athletes competed across four categories for both men and women. The intensity continued in the junior categories, where young talents showcased their prowess.

In the women's seniors finals, Ugandan Harriet Akite claimed victory with a 4-2 win against Kenyan Emily Wanyama in the 50 kgs weight category.

In the men's category, Mathayo Mahabila, a bronze medalist in the 2023 Africa Beach Games, emerged triumphant in the 70 kgs weight category against Brian Oloo. Meanwhile, silver medalist Mark Onguyesisecured victory against James Omondi in the 86 kgs category.

In another gripping match, Ugandan Rodgers Mukyanda triumphed over local favorite Levis Simiyu in the men's 70 kgs weight category.

The juniors category witnessed thrilling contests as Alex Meja clinched victory against Isaac Juma in the boys category, while Jemima Wanjala, a form two student from Devki Secondary School, emerged victorious against Yvonne Lusike in the girls category.

In the cadets category (15-17 years), Stephen Mugarisa from Ruiru Secondary School stole the show with a hard-fought victory against Calvin Nyatuka from St. Elizabeth Lunao Secondary School. In the girls category, Joy Lichuma from Namawanga Secondary School secured victory against Janet Ingwesi from Githunguri Ranching School.

The seniors have utilized the event as a platform to qualify for the Africa Wrestling 2024 Beach Games, set to be held in Dakar, Senegal in June. Meanwhile, the juniors (cadets) have also earned their spots or the 2026 Youth Olympics, which will also be hosted in Senegal following this year's Africa Beach Games.

Handball

Kilifians, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Equity Bank, and Saints secured semi-final slots in the men's category after intense group matches concluded on Saturday.

Kilifians will face off against KRA in one semi-final, while Equity will battle Mombasa Saints in the other. Notable victories propelled these teams to the last four, with Kilifians showcasing their dominance against various opponents.

In the women's category, Glorious Queens will clash with Coast Queens in one semi-final, while Pwani Wolves will challenge Malindi Masters in the other. Exciting matches unfolded as teams fought fiercely for a spot in the semi-finals.

In addition to these enthralling competitions, the event also featured Kayaking, Rowing, Judo, and Baseball 5, showcasing the immense talent and passion within Kenya's sports community.

The Kenya Beach Games serve as a crucial platform for athletes to showcase their skills, with teams such as the seniors wrestling eyeing qualification for the Africa Wrestling 2024 Beach Games in Dakar, Senegal, while the juniors aim for a berth in the 2026 Youth Olympics.