Edwin Okong'o promoted in Kenya Air Force after historic victory in African Games

Kenya's Edwin Okong'o has been rewarded with a promotion to sergeant by the Kenya Air Force following his triumphant victory in the men’s middleweight 75kg category at the recently concluded African Games.

In a thrilling finale at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Okong'o secured a gold medal by defeating Morocco’s Yassine Elouarz with a score of 3-1, marking a significant moment for Kenya in the boxing programme of the Games.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK-Olympics Kenya) confirmed Okong'o’s elevation from corporal to sergeant, a testament to his exceptional performance and dedication. 

Okong'o's journey to the top was fraught with challenges, facing formidable opponents from the onset.

 “It has been quite a difficult journey and reaching where I am has not been easy. I have been pitted against North Africans from the onset, but I believe I am up to the challenge,” Okong'o remarked, as quoted by The Star.

His path to gold included victories over North Africa's finest, beating Tunisia's Helal Mohamed Habib in the quarter-finals and Algeria’s Ahmed Abdelrraouf Ghazi in the semi-finals. 

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time a Kenyan has won gold in boxing at the All-Africa Games since Suleiman Bilali's victory in Algiers, Algeria. 

Reflecting on his ambition and drive, Okong'o shared, “My mission here was to go back with a gold medal because it's a long time since Kenya won a boxing gold in the games. Winning just a silver would not have quenched my thirst for glory.”

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