AIBA goodies: Kenya to have an international boxing arena at Kasarani

Kenya will have an internationally-rated boxing gymnasium after the International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev announced that construction works will be completed by the end of the year at the Kasarani Stadium.

Umar Kremlev made the announcement after finishing his two days tour of Kenya alongside African Boxing Confederation President Mohamed Moustahsane, who held the role of AIBA Interim President from March 2019 until December.

“We hope they will use this advantage by training seriously and we are always optimistic,” said Umar. “According to the results we had in the previous Olympics I’m praying and hoping that Africa will have three medals. It doesn’t matter which medals, but if Africa gets three medals will be very happy.”

Kenyan Boxing Federation President Anthony Otieno Ombok said he was grateful for the kind gesture from the world boxing leader.

“We are thankful especially for the promise of building us a gymnasium. Apart from the players’ equipments that he gave us like gloves, pads and many others, he also said he will visit many African countries to help in developing the game. The president promised that a competition will be held here before the year ends,” said Ombok.

Kremlev also met with representatives of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and Ministry of Sports, including principal secretary Joe Okudo.

Ombok said of Kremlev’s visit: “We are very happy with the reforms that the AIBA President and his Board of Directors are implementing in this new administration.

“The future of boxing in Africa is very promising according to the decisions that Mr. Kremlev has made such as building a boxing academy in Kenya.

“This will, without a doubt, help the country to regain its long lost glory when Kenyan boxers were kings in the world of boxing.”

Kenya team captain Nick Okoth said of Kremlev’s visit: “We never dreamt in our wildest dreams that we could train with the AIBA president. We are over the moon, to say the least. The gifts that he has given us will be treasured for a lifetime.”

Kremlev was in Kenya to take part in the AIBA Forum held Sunday.

Ahead of the forum, Kremlev took part in a training session with the national boxing team while also visiting the Nairobi National Park.