South Sudanese kick boxers eye excellence in regional tournaments

South Sudanese kick boxers are eyeing to excel at regional and international level in order to elevate the status of the local sport in the country.

Puro Okello, a former Canadian world kick boxing champion and member of the South Sudan Kick Boxing Federation said that in order to demonstrate their commitment to they will be holding kick boxing match on December 2 between James Majok and a Malaysian national in Juba.

“This is an opportunity for South Sudan to see itself at the international stage, I came back home to make sure we are producing fine  kick boxers,” Okello said during press conference held at Central Equatoria Youth Center in Juba ahead of the fight.

He also said that South Sudan Boxing Federation will celebrate on November 30 the 16 days of activism against violence on women and girls under the theme “empowering youth for peace building through sports” where they will hold boxing tournament.

James Majok, who will take on the Malaysian national in kick boxing match, said kickboxing is a game that has potential to bring peace among young people.

“I want to be the best in kickboxing in the world, it was my dream since I was young to be a kick boxer, I learnt kickboxing in 2008 and it is a very good game that can contribute towards bringing peace in South Sudan,” Majok said.

Mary Athian, the Chairperson of South Sudan Women Boxing Team in statement issued ahead of the boxing tournament to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Girls, said they are ready to demonstrate their talents in boxing at regional and international level.

“We want to talk about boxing and we want to show to the world the talent we have as a young generation, we want to demonstrate that boys and girls can showcase their talents at the same level,” Athian said.