All about the sports of Kenya
The sports of the East African community evolved and grew to great heights. Kenya has a lot of hands in this achievement. Kenya’s culture is embedded in sports. So through Sports, Kenya reconnects with its past. And with sports again, it gets its International acknowledgement. Kenyans know the value of sports and have participated in sports from the pre-colonial times.
Traditional sports in Kenya
Traditionally, Kenyans played wrestling, racing, hunting and even board games. Football is the most popular sport in Kenya. The people of Kenya also play basketball, volleyball, rugby union, swimming, baseball, and softball.
Popular sports of Kenya
Football, track and field, volleyball, swimming, baseball and softball are the most popular sports in Kenya.
Best sport in Kenya
As you can see, Kenya is a land of sport. There are many games played by people. But there is one best sport in Kenya which gives it greater recognition. There are many Kenyans who are surviving as world record holders. There are many world champions in the sport of athletics. They have a great count of a medal in the Olympic games. When it comes to long-distance running
, Kenya is the world power.
Sports of athletics got its formal Organization in the year 1922. Kenya is very popular all around the World for its track and field athletics. It dominated the middle and long-distance for years and years together. In 1961 the Athletics Association was formed.
World-class runners had the origin in Kenya. It has produced many world-class athletes and Olympic medalists. They are the champions of 800 meters, 1500 meters, 3000 meters steeplechase, 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, and marathons. These are held for both men and women.
Kenya till now, has 100 Olympic medals which it started from 1964 with 39 gold medals, 38 silver medals, and 31 bronze medals. Among these metals, more than 90% is from athletics.
However, the country also represented and won medals in the field of hockey, volleyball, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, and wrestling.
The Government of Kenya supports the players by providing them with all required infrastructure. You can find high-quality training grounds, good weather conditions and high altitude for them to play and practice. There are many high altitude training camps in Kenya that even attract many international athletes to practice.
Other sports in Kenya
The soccer sports
was introduced by the British in Kenya during the early 20th century. Soccer is commonly referred to as football sport in Kenya. Football is the most popular sport played in Kenya. It reached all the people beyond their ethnic and class lines. Kenya organises the Kenya Premier League, which is a domestic competition. Every year 16 teams will participate in this National event.
It is also one among the sports, people play in Kenya. The first officially recorded rugby took place in the year 1999. Internationally it was played first in the year 1955. The people of Kenya are professionals in playing 7 versions of the same game. It has become a core member of the international rugby board 7 series.
Tags: Kenya, sports