National team boxer Shafi Bakari has maintained that his dream is to set foot at future Olympic Games.
The flyweight champion's hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were crushed after the world qualifiers, which were to be held in Paris, France this June, were called off.
The qualifiers presented a second chance for Bakari, but due to travel restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic and the rescheduling of the final European qualifier from April to June, the organisers decided to pull the plug.
Bakari failed to secure a spot during the African qualifiers held at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, Senegal between February 20 and 29, 2020.
“My dream and aspirations still remain gracing the Olympic Games. Though it has eluded me for now, I still remain optimistic,” said Bakari.
He was part of the 16-man team that represented Kenya at the African Zone 3 Championships held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bakari settled for a silver after suffering an arm injury to fall to a humiliating defeat against Botswana’s Mohamed Rajab in the 52kg-flyweight final bout.
The tournament was also used to prepare the Olympic-bound team consisting of captain Nicholas Okoth (featherweight) Elly Ajowi (heavyweight) in the men’s category and Christine Ongare (flyweight) and Elizabeth Akinyi (welterweight) in the women's category.
The boxer, who hails from the coastal city of Mombasa, acknowledged the good quality of upcoming boxers in the region called for the respective stakeholders to nurture the talent.
“During my stay at home, I have managed to visit some of the local clubs. We have so much talent that needs to be taped. With proper training and guidance, they are bound to go far,” he added.
His love for boxing began at the tender age of six, but his stint at the national level began in late 2009.
The boxer is currently with the National Police Srevice team, Chafua Chafua.
