Malkia Strikers strike hard and emerge as continental champions

Pic courtesy

Kenya Women National Volleyball team has clinched the only continental ticket for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Malkia Strikers as they are famously known, emerged top by beating their Western Africa rivals Nigeria 3-0 at the Africa qualifiers that was held at Palais Polyvalent Des Sports Arena in Cameroon.

Their win means that Kenya will be returning to the Olympics after 16 years.
CS for Sports Culture and Heritage Amina Mohamed celebrated the Malkia Strikers' qualification for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 saying that the team exhibited unmatched skill and exceptional team spirit and that her Ministry is undertaking preparations to fully facilitate the team at the Olympics.

President Uhuru Kenyatta also congratulated the national women volleyball team for qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after a streak of four impressive wins in the qualifiers.

The President termed the team's qualification, after 16 years of waiting, as a showcase of Kenya's rising profile as an African sporting powerhouse and assured the team of the Government's continued support as they prepare for the summer games.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga through his twitter handle commended the team for their brilliant performance. "Hongera Malkia Strikers. Well deserved and keep going.All the best as you head to @Tokyo2020. Great job Ladies."

Other countries that qualified for the 2020 Olympics are;Japan,Serbia,China, USA,Brazil, Russia and Italy.

Every qualified team will receive a traditional Daruma doll to accompany them on their year-long journey to the Japanese capital for the Olympics. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance,good luck and stand for encouragement.