In honour of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s independence, the BKS Club hosted a Squash tournament from June 28 to July 1, 2023, at Cercle Elaïs in the DRC capital, Kinshasa.
This tournament was the second major Squash competition to be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2023; earlier in the year the country hosted one that featured Jean-Marie Besombi.
Tournai de I’Independance du Congo Winners
Dubbed the Tournai de I’Independance du Congo (Congo Independence Tournament) was an invitational type of tournament open to Squash players from the local community, who would have the opportunity to compete in both senior and junior categories.
As always, Squash is playing its part in bringing people together to play the sport and inspire the next generation of Squash players from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Support from the government and local media
Photo credit: BKS Club
The tournament received support from His Excellency the Minister of Sports and Leisure, François Kabulo Mwana Kabulo kicked off on Wednesday 28 June 2023, at the Cercle Elais de la Gombe.
The squash tournament is one of the most significant events of the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bianco talking to the press
At the launch of the tournament, Bianco Kibuila gave a statement to Events DRC about the tournament and its significance for the Democratic Republic of Congo:
“We want to awaken the conscience of the Congolese people in relation to the independence of our country. As a practitioner of Squash, we have seen fit to integrate the awakening of the conscience of the Congolese people through squash. The tournament is open to everyone. We ask all squash players to register and take part in this tournament”
Registration took place at the Cercle Elaïs in Kinshasa, a popular venue for Squash.
In terms of prizes, participants from the top 8 ranked in each category will also receive an envelope. As for the big winner of the Independence Tournament, they will receive a cheque and a motorcycle.
Apart from this event, BKS Club will nominate the stars of independence, who are destined to become models, marathons, influencers, and so many other young entrepreneurs.
Thrilling matches from Congo’s Squash talent
Bianco v Joly – Men’s Final (Photo credit: BKS Club)
After 4 days of great-intensity of squash in different categories and versions, the games demonstrated why the Democratic Republic of Congo has excellent Squash players.
Results from the different categories saw happy winners; among the veterans, Grace Mbafu won against Serge Paras: 2 sets to 1, with the U12s Miyake Nzasi won against Winner Yoka: 2 sets to 1.
Hop Lungudi: Ladies Winner
Meanwhile, in the senior ladies category, Hop Lungudi beat Marie Bonsmans by 2 sets to 0.
Bianco Kibuila: Men’s Winner
For senior gentlemen, Bianco Kibuila won against Joly Binga: 3 sets to 1.
The award ceremony took place in front of an audience in the gardens of the hotel venue.
Squash popularity on the rise in the Congo
With all the developments that are taking place in Squash, it is evident that the Democratic Republic of Congo is a potential candidate for hosting Squash competitions.
When it comes to popularity, competitions like the Independence Tournament are going to help boost the popularity of the sport to new audiences.
In terms of moving forward, we hope to see Squash athletes from the Democratic Republic of Congo compete in PSA-sanctioned matches, and in time a country becomes a candidate for a satellite tournament.
Yes, it would involve considerable investment but when pitching for investment the governing body can use their local tournament as an example to showcase what can be accomplished.
In doing so, it will help propel the sport to new audiences especially at a grassroots level, along with helping bring the sport to the same level of popularity, just like other sports in the country.
Tournaments like the Tournai de I’Independance du Congo and Tournai du Squash au Cercle de Kinshasa showcase to the outside world that the democratic Republic of Congo is definitely another emerging Squash nation and have talented Squash athletes who have the ability to compete against other countries in the world stage.
When it comes to technological developments in Squash, the Democratic Republic of Congo is a potential country that could benefit from the sports digital provision given the landscape that could create jobs for the local people and help young people gain the digital skills to be on the same page as their peers.
To sum up, as BKS Club is one of our partners we endeavor to help them to become the best Squash club in the country, along with facilitating opportunities for their players to progress in the sport.
