Kenya is set to make history as it hosts the first-ever Under-17 Roll Ball World Cup, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from April 15 to 22. The international showdown has attracted 20 nations, including roll ball heavyweights India, France, Iran, Portugal, and Argentina.
Speaking at the official launch, Kenya Roll Ball Federation President Samuel Litaba expressed excitement over the milestone event, highlighting Kenya’s dominance in the sport. The senior men’s and women’s teams have won all six previous editions of the Roll Ball World Cup, solidifying the country’s status as a global powerhouse.
“Today marks the official launch of the Junior Roll Ball World Cup, an opportunity to build anticipation and rally support for the event. We are optimistic that Team Kenya will deliver a strong performance, just as we have done in the past. The squad is well-prepared and ready for the challenge ahead,” said Litaba.
A Fast-Growing Sport with Olympic Aspirations
Roll ball, a high-speed blend of roller skating, handball, and basketball, was invented in India in 2003 and has since gained popularity in over 60 countries. The sport’s governing body, the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF), led by President Tapan Acharya, is actively lobbying for Olympic recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Kenya’s junior team head coach and captain, Joseph Alukhala, remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“I am thrilled to witness the growth of roll ball in Kenya, and hosting the Under-17 World Cup is a significant milestone. Our ultimate dream is to represent the country on the Olympic stage, and we are hopeful that we will achieve that goal in the near future,” said Alukhala.
Training Challenges and a Push for Better Facilities
Despite Kenya’s success in roll ball, the sport faces challenges—lack of proper training facilities being a major concern. Unlike other nations that train on smooth, wooden courts, Kenyan players often practice on hard outdoor surfaces, increasing the risk of injuries.
To address this, the Kasarani Indoor Arena, which meets international roll ball standards, will host the tournament. Coach Alukhala has urged stakeholders to grant Team Kenya access to the venue for training and camping ahead of the competition.
As excitement builds, the Junior Roll Ball World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing Kenya’s talent and reinforcing its global dominance in the sport.
