Tharcisse Rutayisire and Joseline Umulisa clinched victory in the 2025 He-for-She Challenger tennis tournament, in the doubles category, defeating Cyrille Kayiranga and Giselle Umumararungu in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, during Sunday’s final at the IPRC-Kigali Ecology Tennis Court.

The tournament, a fixture on the Rwanda Tennis Federation (FRT) calendar, was launched by the Ingenzi Initiative to promote gender balance and equity through sport, specifically in tennis.

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This year’s edition attracted more than 40 participants, including both men and women competing in the doubles category. Among them was Aimee Marie Ange Tumukunde, a first-time competitor who shared how empowering the experience was.

"It was my first time competing. As an amateur, I played alongside a male player, which really symbolised the kind of equality we need in all sports,” she said.

"It was such a positive experience that I would encourage more women and men to take part in inclusive sports activities,” she added.

Ingenzi Initiative president Philbert Ndugu expressed delight with the growing interest in the tournament, which he sees as a vital tool for advancing gender equality through sport.

"We started with just four participants, and now we have reached over 30. That growth reflects how impactful tennis can be in promoting gender equality,” Ndugu said, adding that their long-term goal is to make the tournament an international event.