Laventer Atieno, president of the Africa Kabaddi Union and the pioneer and driving force behind the sport in Kenya has been selected as a member of the Jury at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsAtieno, who introduced the traditional Indian contact sport to Kenya in 2012, went on to serve as the head coach and later as president of the Kenya Kabaddi Sports Federation.Her appointment to the Games set for the Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, from Saturday, 19 September to Sunday, 4 October, is a global recognition for the administrator who has played a key role in advancing the sport in Kenya and Africa.Brigid Kosgei wins second Great North Run title as Mutiso is pipped to secondUnder her leadership and coaching, Kenya has built a formidable presence in international Kabaddi and has emerged as a top African powerhouse, securing the African Cup and African Championship title multiple times.She famously coached the Kenyan national team at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in India, where the team shocked many by finishing as second runners-up.##NAJAVA_MECA_9952990##Additionally, she spearheaded the spread of the sport from Nairobi to regional hubs like Mombasa, Nakuru, and Machakos, as well as its modern inclusion into Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)."We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on this remarkable achievement. Your selection is a great recognition of your leadership, expertise, dedication, and unwavering contribution to the development and promotion of Kabaddi across Africa and around the world," a statement from Africa Kabaddi Union reads.It continues, "The world believes in your leadership, and we are confident that you will represent the sport with excellence, integrity, and distinction on this prestigious international stage. This is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for African Kabaddi."Tarus spoilt for choice as Wafalme Stars battle for starting places ahead of CAVB ChampionshipThe Games will be played from Wednesday, 21 to Monday, 26 September at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. The competition will feature separate men’s and women’s tournaments, with India heading into both as defending champions after completing a golden double at Hangzhou 2023.Ten teams will compete in the men’s tournament while the women’s competition will feature eight. Both events begin with a round-robin group stage before the semi-finals on Sunday, 25 September and finals on Monday.##NAJAVA_MECA_9953024##
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