Blades describes the Sh6m IOC scholarship as a game-changer as they eye to qualify for LA 2028

National women's hockey team, the "Blades" at City Park/NOC-K

Kenya women’s national hockey team head coach Meshack Senge has hailed the USD 50,000 (Ksh 6.47 million) IOC Scholarship awarded to the Blades as a “game-changer” for their push towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Speaking alongside officials from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and the Kenya Hockey Union, Senge said the support arrives at a crucial stage.

“This comes at exactly the right time. We can now plan our training camps, focus on international competitions and give our players the stability they need to compete at the highest level. The team has potential to shine, and this support ensures we stay on track for LA 2028,” he said.

The scholarship, offered under the Olympic Solidarity “LA 2028 Scholarship” Programme, runs from January 2025 to 2028 and targets teams with strong Olympic qualification potential. It provides long-term funding for international exposure, technical development and essential equipment—areas where Kenyan high-performance teams often face gaps.

Senge noted the investment will remove uncertainty and boost player confidence.

“Our players see this as a belief in their abilities. It motivates us to raise our game and remain consistent,” he said.

NOC-K said three additional team sports will be awarded similar scholarships as part of its broader drive to expand Kenya’s Olympic delegation from 85 athletes at Paris 2024 to more than 100 at LA 2028, with at least two team sports qualifying.

The Blades recently returned from the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt, where they won bronze after beating Nigeria 1–0, reinforcing their continental rise.

Captain Lynne Tamunai said the scholarship is recognition of the team’s growth. “I remember being the youngest in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games squad. Today, I lead a group of passionate players, and this support pushes us to aim higher. Qualifying for LA 2028 is within reach,” she said.

Kenya made its Commonwealth Games debut in 2022, finishing ninth after facing top nations including New Zealand and Australia—experiences that strengthened the team’s resolve. With IOC backing, the Blades now have a platform to sharpen their strategy and deepen their talent pool as they target a historic Olympic qualification.

The presentation was attended by NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki, IOC Member Paul Tergat, Secretary General John Ogola, Deputy Treasurer Charles Mose, and Women Representative Doreen Okiri, alongside Kenya Hockey Union officials led by federation president Nashon Randiek.