The Democratic Republic of Congo has produced many great women’s Squash players Rachel Muleka Bamuamba Muimpe is one of the latest women’s squash players who is championing the cause to get more women to take up the sport.
Rachel Muleka Bamuamba Muimpe (Right) with Coach
Rachel is an amazing squash player with the BKS Club, and as part of International Women’s Month, she shares her perspective on women’s squash in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Let’s not forget that squash is one of the sports in which women have been ultra-successful, and each March, during International Women’s Month, the accomplishments of women’s squash players should be acknowledged.
Part of our mission is to encourage more young women from ethnic backgrounds to participate in the sport and become role models to those across the world with the message that squash is an excellent sport to participate in.
Rachel has recently become our first female brand ambassador and shares our values of community cohesion in squash, in addition to encouraging more ladies to participate in the sport.
Here’s Rachel’s story…
My Journey in Squash: Challenges and Achievements
I started playing squash in 2020 at the BKS Bakolo Squash Club. I’ve participated in two major tournaments so far. The first, called Top Weekend, saw me eliminated in the semi-finals, but I was proud to finish in third place. My second tournament, sponsored by Bracongo, was a similar experience, with a semi-final exit and a fourth-place finish.
Currently, I am ranked third in the national squash rankings based on my performance. I was also set to compete with the national team in a tournament in Zimbabwe, but unfortunately, due to a lack of resources, the team couldn’t attend.
Why Squash Is the Ultimate Full-Body Workout
Like my peers, squash is more than just a game—it’s a full-body workout that targets endurance, flexibility, and reflexes.
Players will find that it strengthens the heart and lungs, improves flexibility, and enhances mental focus. It’s a fantastic way to burn calories too.
Interestingly, a single hour of squash can help you burn up to 900 calories, which is almost double the calories burned in an hour of football (about 500 calories). This makes squash an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight or improve their stamina while having fun.
Squash in the DRC: A Growing Community
In the DRC, squash has been slowly but surely gaining recognition, thanks in part to the efforts of FECODESQ (Congolese Squash Federation). With 18 open competitions already held, sponsored by Bracongo, squash is no longer a niche sport in the country. While the level of competition may still be developing, the sport is gaining traction.
Like most African nations, squash is an indoor sport that may still be unfamiliar to many, but it is rapidly growing in popularity, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Personally, for those who aren’t familiar, I think squash is a highly engaging sport that not only demands physical fitness but also sharpens mental agility.
As a squash player myself, I’ve witnessed this growth firsthand and as a player at Chab BKS (Bakolo Squash), where I’ve been affectionately nicknamed “schoolmaster” by our coach, Bianco Kibuila, who is also the reigning RDC men’s champion. Squash has not only been an enjoyable experience for me but has also shaped my physical and mental well-being.
Let’s Grow the Ladies’ Squash Community
One of my greatest passions is encouraging more young women to take up squash. It’s an incredible sport that was even voted the best for health by Forbes magazine, and I can personally attest to its benefits. Squash not only builds physical strength and endurance but is also a fantastic stress reliever.
We need more women in this sport, and I believe that with more female participation, squash can grow into a mainstream activity in the DRC. Let’s come together to build a thriving community of squash players, where everyone—especially women—can experience the joys and benefits of this incredible sport.
Having read and seen various squash initiatives aimed at driving participation aligned with so many great female role models in the sport, past and present (Karen Anderson and Nicol David), I firmly believe the Democratic Republic of Congo will have its own great women’s team that competes on the international stage.
Here’s my message to all women:
Let’s not forget that whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, challenge your mind, or just find a fun way to relieve stress, Squash is a fantastic choice. So, I invite all women, especially young ones, to give squash a try and join me in building something amazing.
Final Thoughts
For me, squash is a global sport and can benefit anyone, especially from a health and social well-being perspective.
As brand ambassador of Onyx Squash Academy, I am looking forward to sharing my experiences in playing squash, not only with young women from the Democratic Republic of Congo but also with those who are based in countries where the sport has a strong following.
