A group of dancers receive the athletes at JKIA on September 23, 2025/X
There was song,
dance and celebration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Tuesday as Team Kenya returned from the 2025 World Athletics
Championships in Tokyo.
The athletes, who
delivered a spirited performance on the global stage, were received
to a grand reception led by Sports Principal Cabinet Secretary Elijah
Mwangi who lauded them for flying the Kenyan flag high.
Mwangi was
representing Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
“Welcome back our
champions! Our athletes have once again lifted Kenya onto the global
map, showcasing resilience, discipline and unmatched talent. We are
proud of you,” said Mvurya in a statement.
Also present to
receive the team were Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, MPs Mark Nyamita
(Uriri), Peter Masara (Suna West), other leaders, and dozens of
enthusiastic fans who broke into dance and song as the athletes
walked through the arrivals hall.
Beatrice Chebet poses for a selfie with some of the family members and fans at JKIA/X
The returning stars
were showered with cheers and chants as supporters celebrated their
exploits in Tokyo, where they once again reaffirmed the country’s
dominance in long-distance running.
Kenya finished
second overall behind United States in the championships, bagging 11
medals among them seven gold medals with stunning performances in
middle and long-distances races.
Among the highlights
were Beatrice Chebet who won two gold medals.
She claimed the women’s 10,000m title in 30:37.61 to deliver
Kenya’s first gold in Tokyo. She later doubled her triumph with
victory in the women’s 5000m.
Faith Kipyegon also
lived up to expectations by storming to victory in the women’s
1500m. The two-time Olympic champion added another global title to
her glittering career.
Officials said a
national ceremony will be organised to formally recognise the
medalists and celebrate their contribution to Kenya’s sporting
heritage.
AloJapan.com