After missing the first qualifier last month in Algiers, Algeria, the national boxing team could as well miss out on the second qualifier in Windhoek, Namibia scheduled for March 22 to April 2. The unfortunate revelations were made last week by Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association second vice president. Deogene Kyatwa said, We don’t have any hope of taking part in Namibia too. We have not received any go ahead from the National Olympics committee (RNOC) and (or) the Ministry of Sports, Mijespoc. Boxing had two opportunities to qualify for the Beijing Olympics Games but they missed the first opportunity and chances are high that they could miss the second as well, which will definitely rule them out of the Games. Kyatwa insisted that missing out on both qualifiers will be a huge embarrassing to Rwandan boxing, which has struggled to gain ground on other sports in the country over the years. We are really hurt by not participating in the Beijing Olympics, but we won’t loose heart because we missed the Olympics. At the moment, we don’t have funds to cater for our team, but plans are underway to seek for sponsors with whom we can work together to developing the sport, hopefully, we shall be able to compete in future competitions, a seemingly disappointed Kyatwa acknowledged. The boxers are currently training in their respective clubs, hoping that they may be summoned to start residential training ahead of the Windhoek qualifier. Kyatwa’s concerns were supported by the federation’s technical director Gashugi Kananura who also doubles as the national team trainer. The training in clubs is not enough for such international competitions. I can only compare it to a warm up. Those games are very competitive and the need of thorough training is urgent, Gashuji commented on the current level of training. Boxing has faced tough times amid preparations for such international events. Players did not compete in last year’s Algeria All African Games on grounds of incompetent performance in Madagascar African Championship held a month before the Algiers Games.Ends
