Rwanda’s sporting landscape in 2025 delivered a year packed with breakthroughs that elevated the country’s profile on the global stage. From golf courses and basketball arenas to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) cages, world-class pelotons and clay courts, Rwandan sports sector witnessed milestones that not only inspired fans but also cemented its growing influence in international sport. Times Sport presents to you a wrap-up of major feats in the sporting space in 2025. UCI World Championships in Kigali Three years after officially securing the rights to host the UCI Road World Championships, Kigali saw a long-held dream come true as the world’s top cyclists arrived in the Rwandan capital—marking the first time the prestigious global cycling event was staged on African soil. While homegrown riders competed in front of passionate local crowds, it was global stars such as Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel who dominated the podiums, conquering Kigali’s grueling cobbled climbs throughout the championships. The Kigali 2025 edition concluded with several milestones to its name, most notably setting a new record for global viewership. The event attracted an estimated 330 million viewers worldwide, surpassing the previous high of 329 million recorded at the Yorkshire 2019 championships in England. Golfer Ishimwe enters the Guinness World Records Rwandan golfer Melissa Akanigi Ishimwe etched her name into history in March, becoming the first woman to complete an 18-hole golf course in under 55 minutes unassisted. The 23-year-old clocked 52 minutes and scored 102 points at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas, covering the 6,081-yard course with an impressive display of stamina, precision, and composure. ALSO READ: History as Rwandan golfer Melissa Ishimwe sets Guinness World Record Her achievement places her alongside notable record-setters such as British golfer James Carvil, who completed the 6,154-yard Warren Point Golf Course in 27 minutes and 9 seconds in 1987. Ishimwe is now the third Rwandan to enter the Guinness World Records, joining Eric Dusingizimana and Cathia Uwamahoro, who set cricket-related records in 2016 and 2017 respectively. APR’s historic BAL finish APR Basketball Club delivered Rwanda’s best-ever performance at the Basketball Africa League (BAL), finishing third overall in the 2025 edition after a commanding 123–90 win over Egypt’s Al Ittihad. This milestone came during the BAL finals held at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli clinched the 2025 championship after defeating Petro de Luanda 88–67. ALSO READ: APR shatter BAL scoring record, secure bronze medal Participating in their second BAL appearance, APR overcame group-stage difficulties in the Nile Conference, where star guard Obadiah Noel saved their season with a crucial clutch three-pointer against Nairobi City Thunder. Their postseason miracle run not only secured them third place but also guaranteed Rwanda’s representation in the 2026 BAL edition after the club went on to win the 2025 domestic title. When MMA found a home in Kigali For the first time in East Africa, Rwanda hosted the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa semifinals at BK Arena, a major milestone for Mixed Martial Arts on the continent. The event, spearheaded by former UFC heavyweight champion and PFL Africa chairman Francis Ngannou, attracted top African fighters to the Rwandan capital city for entertaining bouts inside the BK Arena cage on October 18. ALSO READ: Rwanda delivers once again as sport, tourism unite at PFL Africa Ngannou’s ambition to strengthen Africa’s MMA ecosystem resonated strongly in Kigali, with the event also graced by President Paul Kagame. Standout performers competed in the finals in Benin on December 20. Niyonkuru strikes gold at 20th Peace Marathon The Rwandan flag was raised high at the 20th Kigali International Peace Marathon when Florence Niyonkuru restored the country’s golden glory after a two-year medal jinx. Competing for the national athletics team, Niyonkuru clinched gold in the women’s half marathon at the June event, finishing first in a race traditionally dominated by Kenyan runners. She crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 57 seconds over the 21.097-kilometre distance. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Niyonkuru strikes gold as Kenya’s Korir reclaims Kigali marathon title Fellow Rwandan Adeline Musabyeyezu followed closely to secure silver in 1:14:18, while Kenya’s Vivian Jepkoech claimed bronze with a time of 1:15:10. The victory marked a joyful return to the top step of the podium for Rwanda, a feat last achieved at the 17th edition in 2022 when Musabyeyezu struck gold. At the 19th edition in 2024, Rwanda settled for bronze medals through Emmanuel Mutabazi and Emeline Imanizabayo in the men’s and women’s half marathon events respectively, as Kenyan athletes once again dominated the race. Rwanda U20 shined on global handball stage Rwanda’s U20 handball team continued the country’s success story by winning a bronze medal at the Intercontinental IHF Trophy on March 16 in Pristina, Kosovo, after a commanding 48–31 victory over Bulgaria. Representing Africa as continental champions, Rwanda joined a select group of six national teams from Oceania, Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. ALSO READ: Rwanda U20 wins bronze at Intercontinental IHF tourney Their strong performance has raised expectations for the senior men’s squad ahead of the 2026 African Men’s Handball Championship, set to take place in Kigali from January 21–31, 2026. Kigali hosts back-to-back ATP Challenger tournaments Kigali again strengthened its position on the global tennis map by hosting the ATP Challenger 75 and ATP Challenger 100 tournaments at Kicukiro Ecology Tennis Club, following a successful maiden edition with the ATP Challenger 50 in 2024. Rwanda welcomed more than 40 international players, including 21 direct acceptances, three wild cards, six qualifiers, and two special exemptions. Local Claude Ishimwe and Etienne Niyigena also participated on wild cards. ALSO READ: Royer wins back-to-back Challenger trophies in Kigali Frenchman Valentin Royer dominated both Challenger competitions, winning back-to-back titles. The tournaments featured a combined prize pool of $175,000 (approx. Rwf 244 million). Tags:
