News detail

Kigali, 31 January 2019

The fifth annual RDF Inter Force Competition concluded today as military personnel showcased talents in various disciplines. The tournament came in time as Rwanda celebrates National Heroes’ Day every 1 February.

The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba and all service chiefs attended the final football match between the Republican Guard unit and the Special Operations Force at Kigali Stadium in Nyamirambo.

Maj Gen Murasira emphasised the importance of the competition saying that it aims at enhancing physical and mental fitness, cohesion, esprit de corps, comradeship, socialisation, togetherness, discipline and morale among members of the RDF, adding that the tournament is also meant to identify sports talents within RDF.

The RDF Inter Force Competition 2018-2019 started at lower levels among RDF units on 3 November 2018 to 31 January 2019. RDF men and women competed in seven different disciplines including shooting, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, netball and athletics.

The finals that begun on Monday 28 up to 31 January 2019 saw the Rwanda Air Force (RAF) win the trophy in basketball as they edged the Special Operations Force 65-57. In handball, the Special Operations Force secured the first place after a 24-20 victory over the RAF.

In netball, the RDF General Headquarters were crowned this year's champions.

In volleyball, Rwanda Military Academy (RMA-Gako) won all the three sets to nothing (3-0) against the General Headquarters on Thursday.

Nasho Basic Military Training Centre topped the list of contestants in the shooting competition on Wednesday at Rwanda Military Academy – Gako training field.

At Kigali Stadium in Nyamirambo, the Republican Guard unit edged the Special Operations Forces on penalties (4-2) after 2-2 draw and was crowned champions for the second consecutive time.

Overall winners in Athletics:

400m: (1) Cpl Moussa Bizimana [Men]

(1) Pte Vivine Niragire [Women]

3000m: (1) Pte Christophe Tuyishimire [Men]

(1) Pte Vivine Niragire [Women]

5000m: (1) Sgt Joseph Nzirorera [Men]

(1) Pte Vivine Niragire [Women]

RDF fetches brilliant talents from this tournament that will participate in international military competitions such as the East African Community Military Games, among others.

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