Sergeant Edwin Okong’o of Wajir Air Base Clinches Gold Medal at All African Games

Kenya’s Sergeant Edwin Okong’o of Wajir Air Base (WAB) has brought immense pride to the County by securing a gold medal in boxing at the 13th All African Games held in Accra, Ghana.

His remarkable achievement marks the first time in 17 years that a boxer from East and Central Africa has clinched the prestigious gold medal at the continental event.

Sergeant Okong’o’s journey to victory was paved with dedication, resilience, and unparalleled talent.

His unwavering commitment to his sport has undoubtedly served as an inspiration to countless individuals, both within the armed forces and beyond.

Sergeant Okong’o has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and awarded The Certificate of Commanders Commendation in recognition of his exceptional performance and contributions.

These accolades stand as a testament to his hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi extended congratulations to Sergeant Okong’o in a statement to newsrooms on Thursday.

Mr. Abdullahi said the win represents a personal milestone for the officer and also serves as a source of immense pride for the entire community.

“Through his dedication and perseverance, Sergeant Okong’o has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the region,” he said.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi expressed admiration and gratitude for Sergeant Okong’o’s accomplishments. He said the victory showcases the talent and potential that exists within Wajir and the broader region.

He said, “Sergeant Okong’o’s success serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and supporting local talent to reach its full potential.”

The recently concluded pan-African sporting event, formerly known as the All-African Games, brought together athletes from 52 nations to compete in a diverse array of disciplines.

Held every four years, the event serves as a significant precursor to the Olympics, showcasing the talent and spirit of African athletes on a continental stage.

This year’s edition witnessed a remarkable increase in participation and diversity, with over 5,000 athletes converging to vie for medals and set new records across 30 sporting disciplines.

Compared to the 2019 African Games, which featured 26 sports, and the 2015 Games with 22 disciplines, the expanded roster of events provided athletes with even more opportunities to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.

Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi served as the vibrant host cities, with athletes and spectators alike experiencing the rich cultural tapestry and warm hospitality of Ghana.

From the vibrant streets of Accra to the storied landmarks of Cape Coast and the energetic ambiance of Kumasi, the venues set the stage for exhilarating competitions and enduring displays of sportsmanship.

Throughout the event, athletes pushed themselves to the limit, demonstrating unparalleled athleticism and determination in pursuit of victory.

In a departure from tradition, the organization of the African Games was handled differently in 2019, with the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) collaborating to oversee the event as an Olympic qualifier leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.

However, disagreements arose among the three organizations regarding marketing revenue and ownership of the games, leading to complications in the planning process. Concurrently, Ghana faced challenges in completing the necessary facilities on time, further exacerbating the delays.

As a result of these factors, the preparation timeline was significantly affected, prompting the decision to postpone the games from their originally scheduled date in August 2023 to March 2024.

Despite the delay, akin to the Tokyo Olympics being branded as the 2020 Olympics despite taking place in 2021, the 2023 African Games retained their original name.