Nairobi:Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called for increased investment in women’s sports following Kenya’s historic gold medal victory by the Rising Lionesses at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. The senator emphasized the significance of this achievement in the women’s Rugby Sevens competition, marking a milestone for both Kenyan sport and African rugby.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Rising Lionesses triumphed over Australia with a 17-12 victory in the final held on November 3. Mitchelle Chemtai scored the decisive try in extra time, securing the gold medal for Kenya. This victory came after a previous defeat to Australia earlier in the competition, with the Kenyan team overcoming a 12-5 deficit to level the scores before sealing the win.
Senator Cherargei praised the players for their resilience, discipline, and teamwork, highlighting the honor they have brought to the country. He described the win as Kenya’s first Olympic gold medal in a team sport and the first time an African nation had won Rugby Sevens gold at the Olympic or Youth Olympic Games. The senator also commended the technical bench led by head coach Cuthbert Otwoma and all who supported the team’s preparation and participation.
Cherargei urged the government and sports stakeholders to build on the team’s success by investing in grassroots programs, improving access to quality sporting facilities and coaching, and establishing development pathways for young athletes. He stressed the importance of focusing on women’s rugby and other sports where Kenyan women have shown potential, advocating for sustained support rather than viewing the victory as an isolated success.
The senator further called on the relevant authorities to recognize and reward the players, ensuring they receive continued support for their welfare, training, and future international competitions. He noted that the team’s success had elevated Africa’s profile in rugby and should encourage the creation of more opportunities for young athletes to excel on the international stage.
