Kenya names strong team for World Indoor Championships in Nanjing

Kenya has unveiled a formidable squad for the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, next week, with a mix of seasoned medalists and promising newcomers set to represent the nation.

Athletics Kenya (AK) announced the ten-member team on Thursday via a press release on their official social media platforms.

Leading the charge in the women’s 800m are African silver medalist Lilian Odira and African Games bronze medalist Vivian Chebet Kiprotich.

The duo, who previously represented Kenya at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the Paris Olympics, will be aiming for podium finishes on the indoor stage.

The men’s 800m team sees the return of 2022 World Indoor silver medalist Noah Kibet.

The 20-year-old has been in impressive form in the United States, where he is located.

Kibet, who clocked 1:46.35 to claim silver in Belgrade, Serbia, will be joined by Africa 800m champion Alex Ng’eno Kipng’etich, who seeks his third international medal.

The 24-year-old first announced himself on the global stage with a gold medal at the World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, in 2018.

Completing the lineup in the men’s 800m is Collins Kipruto, who will be making his second appearance at the championships after narrowly missing a podium finish in 2022, where he placed fourth with a time of 1:48.18.

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Kenya’s charge in the 1500m will be led by American-based Festus Lagat in the men’s category, while Susan Ejore will take up the challenge in the women’s event.

Ejore, 29, featured in the Paris Olympics last year, finishing sixth in the women’s 1500m with a personal best of 3:56.07.

Another athlete making her mark is Dorcas Ewoi, who will be making her debut for Team Kenya at the international level.

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In the 3000m races, Kenya will be represented by mountain running star Purity Gitonga in the women’s event.

Gitonga has been in top form on the World Indoor Tour, finishing third in Ostrava with a time of 8:39.36 before claiming victory in Metz with 8:45.11.

Meanwhile, African Games 5000m bronze medalist Cornelius Kemboi will be the country’s sole representative in the men’s 3000m. This marks his fifth national team appearance, and he will be eager to make an impact on the grand stage.

Kenya heads into the championships hoping for a stronger showing than last year’s edition in Glasgow, Scotland, where Beatrice Chepkoech secured the country’s only medal—a bronze in the women’s 3000m.

With a mix of experience and rising talent, the team will be looking to improve on that tally and reaffirm Kenya’s dominance on the global athletic stage.

800m Women

1. Vivian Chebet KiproticH

2. Lilian Atieno Odira

800m Men

1. Noah Kibet

2. Collins Kipruto

3. Alex Ngeno Kipngetich

1500m Women

1. Dorcas Kaboloni Ewoi

2. Susan Lokayo Ejore

1500m Men

Festus Lagat

3000m Women

Purity Kajuju Gitonga

3000m Men

Cornelius Kemboi

Team Officials

Mr. Abdullahi Omar Salat – Team Leader

Mr. Mathew Kipchumba – Team Physio

Ms. Esther Kavaya – Safeguarding

Mr. Vincent Mumo – Team Coach