This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
January 10, 2020
Kenya's national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, has made history by qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 9.
The team emerged unbeaten at the Africa Tokyo Olympics qualification tournament in Yaoundé, finishing top of the standings with 11 points from four matches.
World volleyball governing body (FIVB) President Ary Graca congratulated Kenya on their achievement, saying, "Congratulations to you and your team for this huge achievement on the road to Tokyo 2020."
He also presented the team with a Daruma, a traditional Japanese symbol of good luck, perseverance, and encouragement.
Acting National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Secretary General Francis Mutuku expressed pride in the team's performance, saying, "It's been a journey and as NOC-K we are really proud of this team."
Cameroon coach Jean Rene Akono and Nigeria coach Samuel Ajayi also praised Kenya's outstanding performance during the competition.
