The Rwanda National Police athletics team put up a dominant performance during the national athletics championships, winning 29 medals overall in the competitions that were held on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25. The showpiece attracted athletes from different teams, competing in various competitions including 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 5000 and 10,000 meters; as well as rectangular jump, spear-throwing, shot-put, among others. Police scooped 29 medals including 14 gold, 11 silver and 4 bronze medals. Some of Police’s best performers included Joseline Nyiraneza who won two medals in the 100 and 200 meters, Cyrille Byiringiro who was the best in throwing the javelin and Alexis Nshimiyimana in high jump. In addition, Justin Nsengiyumva was the best in 100 and 200 meter runs, and Elysée Abayisenga won gold medals in the 400 and 800 meters. APR athletics club came second with 20 medals, while businessman Sina Gerard’s club won 11 medals. After the games, Police Athletics Club captain Patrick Nzitatira said they were happy with the victory, saying that they were well-prepared for the tournament. Antoine Ntabanganyimana, the Director of Sports at Police, said they had come to the championship ready to win medals. “We have a target of showing that the Police Athletics team is good. We are working hard to ensure that the National Police continues to be proud,” he said. Olivier Umutangana, the Secretary-General of the Rwanda Athletics Association (RAF) said that he was happy with the way the national championship was organised and that participation had increased. Regarding participation in the African Senior Championships in Algeria in early June 2021 and the World Junior Championships in Kenya in August 2021, Umutangana said that the players have not had good time for preparation, but they are going to try to avail time for them to prepare. The 2021 National Championship was attended by about 530 players from 13 teams namely Police AC, APR AC, Sina Gerard AC, Nyamasheke AC, Vision JN AC, Mountain Classic AC, NAS, Rutsiro AC, Kamonyi AC, Rwamagana AC, North AC, UR Huye AC and Kavumu.
