Kenya to host 2020 Africa championship

Kenya Defence Force (KDF) Major General Fatima Ahmed (right) receive an appreciation award from Africa Sports Shooting President Hazem Hosny during an honorary dinner on April 19, 2019 at Nairobi's Serena Hotel. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Hasem said the newly-introduced Target Sprint category will coincide with the continental championships. He encouraged Kenya to embrace the new event. In Target Sprint, firers run several distances before engaging in shooting event at varying distances.
  • Hasem advised Kenya to improve on their shooting range so as to attract major championships.

Kenya has been selected to host Africa 10 Metres Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championships for junior and senior players next year.

Africa Shooting Sports Federation (ASSF) president Hosney Hasem, who is in the country disclosed on Friday that Kenya Shooting Sports Federation (KSSF) will arrive at a suitable date for hosting the championships, and communicate the same to the continental body.

Hasem said in coming up with a suitable date for the championships, Kenya should put into consideration the World Championships and Tokyo Olympics that will be held next year.

“Kenya is now ripe to host a continental event and we shall summon all the resources available to ensure Kenya hosts a successful event with all our affiliates taking part,” Hasem said on Friday night.

Hasem, who was accompanied by Major General Fatma Ahmed and Kenya Shooting Sports Federation (KSSF) president Shoaib Vayani, was speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of ASSF board members in Nairobi.

Hasem said ASSF held its board meeting in Kenya in recognition of KSSF’s effort in developing the game in the region.

“We insisted on holding the meeting in Nairobi to show our commitment to the sport and to also show the National Olympic Committee of Kenya that that we value the sport, and that shooting is alive in the continent,” said Hasem.

Hasem said the newly-introduced Target Sprint category will coincide with the continental championships. He encouraged Kenya to embrace the new event. In Target Sprint, firers run several distances before engaging in shooting event at varying distances.

Hasem advised Kenya to improve on their shooting range so as to attract major championships.