Off the wire
• (Xi's U.S. Visit) Interview: Xi's engaging, creative diplomatic approach to benefit China-U.S. ties: U.S. expert  • Cambodia, China sign agreement to protect cultural patrimony  • Chinese premier meets Malawian president  • Singapore stands ready to assist Indonesia in fighting haze: minister  • British maritime industry seeks opportunities in China's "Belt and Road" initiative  • UNRWA urges donors to help cover budget deficit  • Sun Yang swims world-title winning time in 400m at China swim meet  • Cyprus, Egypt proceed with plans for natural gas deal  • Palestine accuses Israeli defense minister of supporting terror  • Xinhua Insight: A new course of growth for China  
You are here: 　 Home

Kenya bids to host Africa women's volleyball Olympic qualifiers

Xinhua, September 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kenya has put in a bid to host the Africa women's volleyball Olympic qualifier tournament in Nairobi in February, 2016.

Waithaka Kioni, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President, confirmed that Kenya will seek to stage the tournament, which they last did in 2008 prior to the Beijing Olympics.

"We feel we have the right facility, fans and time to stage the competition," Kioni said Thursday in Nairobi. "We have since forwarded our request to Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) in Cairo."

During Kenya's last Olympic qualifiers, Kioni said the team travelled to Blida in Algeria during winter, an experience that saw Algeria beat Kenya in the finals to qualify for the games held in London in 2012.

"We played in very unfavorable conditions with temperatures falling down to almost zero degrees Celsius yet the playing halls had poor air conditioning," said Kioni. "I hope this time round, the CAVB will consider our case and agree to host the games in a more tropical condition."

Two teams, China and Serbia qualified for the Rio de Jenairo Olympic Games during the just concluded World Cup held in Japan, being the best ranked countries.

The other 10 teams, including Kenya and Algeria from Africa, will have to fight for a ticket to Brazil from the regional competitions. Qualifying tournaments will also take place in Europe, Asia, North America and South America. Enditem