•While extolling the government's move to reward athletes who break world records, Zarika expressed concerns that Kenyan pugilists were being overlooked.
•The World Alliance of Boxing Association governor for the Commonwealth and Indo-Oceania region, Reuben Ndolo, is also on record supporting burgeoning calls for Kenyan boxers to be recognised.
Image: FILE
Celebrated female boxing sensation Fatuma Zarika has urged the government to consider rewarding Kenyan boxers who excel on the international stage.
While extolling the government's move to reward athletes who break world records, Zarika expressed concerns that Kenyan pugilists were being overlooked.
The World Alliance of Boxing Association governor for the Commonwealth and Indo-Oceania region, Reuben Ndolo, is also on record supporting burgeoning calls for Kenyan boxers to be recognised.
Indeed, a good number of Kenyan pugilists have been condemned to a life of utter misery once they hung their gloves upon retirement.
A good example is none other than ailing ex-boxer Conjestina Achieng' who is now languishing in the murky world of abject poverty in her native Gem home in Yala, Siaya County.
Before Conjestina formally retired from boxing in 2007, she made a reputation for herself in the 2000s by imposing her dominance in the ring whenever she pleased.
The mother of one brought the country unmatched honour and dignity, thanks to several international awards she tucked away on the global front.
According to disturbing media reports, the harsh realities of life forced Conjestina to turn into a street urchin, where she lived by begging. It is heartening to learn that the Ministry has implemented a thorough predictable awards plan for Kenyan athletes to alleviate the troubling situation.
Our finest performers in all sports have been richly rewarded under the initiative, providing enticing incentives for Kenyan athletes to conquer the world and break records.
The notable beneficiaries of the noble scheme include Faith Kipyegon, Mary Moraa, Ferdinand Omanyala, Gor Mahia Football Club, Vihiga Queens, the Kenya Roll ball World Champions, and the Malkia Strikers national women's volleyball team.
The program, which is a first for Kenya, rewards athletes in all sports while lessening the difficulties that our beloved sports figures face after retirement.
In addition to increasing allowances for Kenyan athletes, the government has kept its pledge to reward world record-breakers. Faith Kipyegon, for example, received an instant Sh5 million cash reward and a house worth Sh6 million for breaking the 1500 and 5000 metres marks, respectively.
During the unveiling of Talanta Plaza by H.E. President William Ruto, the Ministry presented cash prizes totaling Sh32.13 million to several athletes who represented Kenya in various competitions.
Teams that flew the nation's flag at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest and the African Women's African Volleyball Championship in Yaounde, Cameroon were among the recipients.
The Ministry introduced the historic Hongera Awards in August 2023 to institutionalise the new program, with Sh100 million going to teams and individuals in a variety of sports.
Athletes, who hadn't received their prizes since 2010, also had their debts reimbursed. Legends of Kenyan sports, including Charles Asati, Joe Kadenge, Kipchoge Keino, Rose Tata Muya, JJ Masiga, John Bobby Ogola, Mahmoud Abbas, Steve Tikolo, Maurice Odumbe, Humphrey Kayange, and Patrick Njiru, were honoured for the first time in Kenyan history in the 1960s.
When publishing the next list of beneficiaries, it would be encouraging to take into account the inclusion of Kenyan boxers who have achieved success in the past.
Image: FILE