Kenya’s “Hit Squad” Bids for 2024 Paris Olympics Qualification Rest on Two Boxers

The hopes of Kenya’s “Hit Squad” to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics are hanging by a thread as the team’s fate rests on the performances of two boxers at the ongoing Boxing Second World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok.

With only three bouts left in the tournament at the Indoor Huamark Stadium, the pressure is on rookie Friza Anyango and newcomer Peter Abuti to secure their spots in the Paris Olympics. Anyango will face Sonvico Emille from France in the women’s 66kg welterweight category, while Abuti will take on the winner of the round 32 clash between Mateusz Bereznick from Poland and Adrian Paolletti from Australia in the 92kg heavyweight category.

Sadly, the “Hit Squad” has already lost key members such as Elizabeth Andiego, Edwin Okong’o, and Boniface Mogunde in earlier rounds of the competition. Despite training in boxing powerhouse Cuba, the Kenyan team has struggled to make an impact in the tournament, following disappointing outings in Dakar, Senegal, and Busto Arsizio, Italy.

President of the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK), Anthony “Jamal” Ombok, expressed his disappointment at the team’s performance, describing the eliminations as a “sad day for the Hit Squad.” He highlighted the past successes of Kenyan boxers in the Olympics, such as Robert Napunyi Wangila and Philip Waruinge, who won medals in previous editions of the games.

As the tournament in Bangkok reaches its final stages, the pressure is mounting on Anyango and Abuti to secure the much-needed qualification spots for the Paris Olympics. Will they be able to rise to the occasion and keep Kenya’s Olympic dreams alive? Only time will tell as the “Hit Squad” battles it out in the ring for their shot at Olympic glory.