Kiplangat leads Uganda’s team to World Championships

Uganda Athletics has flagged off the first batch of athletes who will compete at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13-21.

The team was flagged off by NCS assistant general secretary technical at Milton Chebet who asked the athletes to be patriotic as they represent the country in Japan.

The team will be led by Marathon defending champions Victor Kiplangat who is also the team captain.

Kiplangat vowed to defend his crown amidst the absence of big dogs Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.

“I would like to thank the government and the NCS for supporting us where necessary as the team captain, I just want to encourage the athletes. I am saying this because I have tasted the gold medal and I still have it and I am going to defend the gold medal,” he said.

 It is a very interesting period for most of team Uganda with the absence of Cheptegei and Kiplimo but there is a lot of faith in the likes of Peruth Chemutai. Her coach Denis Okiror believes this could be her time.

“The preparations for the athletes have been going well, especially Peruth. The training period finished well and without injury. I believe she will do well and she will come back with gold,” said Okiror.

Uganda full squad for Tokyo

Athletes

Women

Shida LenI 400m, Halima Nakaayi 800m, Aciru Knight 1500m, Peruth Chemutai 3000mSC, Loice Chekwemoi 3000mSC, Sarah Chelangat 5000m & 10000m, Joy Cheptoyek 5000m & 10000m, Rebecca Chelangat 10000m, Stella Chesang (Marathon), Juliet Chekwel (Marathon) Mercyline Chelangat (Marathon).

Men

Tom Dradriga 800m, Leonard Chemutai 3000mSC, Keneth Kiprop 5000m, Herbert Kibet 5000m, Oscar Chelimo 5000m &10000m, Dan Kibet 10000m, Victor Kiplangat (Marathon), Stephen Kissa (Marathon), Solomon Mutai (Marathon),

Officials

Domenic Otucet- Team Manager, Benjamin Njia, Peter Chelangat, Faustino Kiwa, Paul Okello, Grace Chesang, Denis Okiror, Quinto Oding