Four Ugandans to compete in Kenya's premier squash event

Four players from neighboring Uganda are among a group of 50 players to compete the 2016 KenGen Parklands Open on Monday here.

The event has a total sponsorship of 7,000 U.S. dollars with the prize money amounting to 2,500 dollars.

"The championship has attracted very good players from Kenya and Uganda, and we are looking forward to a very competitive event," Kenya Squash and Rackets Association (KSRA) secretary general, Leon Keya said.

Among the leading contenders is Hartaj Bains who has won many local senior tournaments and has represented Kenya in several junior and senior tournaments both locally and internationally.

Bains' moment of glory came in 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 when he represented Kenya at the Kuala Lumpur, Manchester, New Delhi and Scotland Commonwealth Games respectively.

Another leading player is Muqtadir Nimji, who at only 17 years of age, has proved to be the best junior player in the country.

Muqtadir has gone on to achieve notable success in both junior and senior levels and was the Nakuru Open winner in 2014 and 2015.

The youngster has risen to greater heights and has also challenged the seeded players in the country and won in several local senior tournaments.

Khaaliqa Nimji, 18, is ranked seed one among the ladies. She competed at the Common Wealth Games in New Dehli in 2010 as the youngest player.

Among the Ugandans participating at the event are Micheal Kawoya and Ian Kunya, who are among the top players in the East African country. The finals will be held on Nov. 26. Endit