Cheptegei urges discipline as Akii-Bua Invitational wraps up

________________

Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational

Men’s 800m

T. Dradriga – 1:46.47

K. Erimu – 1:46.87

P. Akemkwene – 1:47.32

Women’s 800m

H. Nakaayi – 1:59.68

S. Moraa – 1:59.94

S. Ageze – 1:01.31

Joshua Cheptegei has encouraged Ugandan athletes to maintain discipline if they are to emulate him and a few other greats in athletics.

Cheptegei made the remarks during the Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational Meeting, which also marked 100 years of athletics. The event concluded on Saturday at Namboole Stadium.

“I believe that with the right discipline and upbringing, that is what it will take for an athlete to become a champion. It is easy to become a one-time champion, but to climb the ladder and be at the top, it takes a lot of consistency. Consistency means you need to have a lot of discipline and forget what you have achieved so far,” he said.

Uganda Athletics Federation successfully hosted top local and some international athletes at Namboole to celebrate the legacy of the late John Akii-Bua and other Ugandan legends who have elevated the sport.

A prize pot of sh5.4m was awarded to the winners of the international races, with second place receiving sh3.6m and third place sh2.8m.

Halima Nakaayi, Herbert Kibet, Shida Leni, and Tom Dradriga were among the notable Ugandans who won their respective races.

“It was a great honour to celebrate our late champions like John Akii-Bua and also to celebrate the journey Uganda Athletics has walked. I am happy and would like to thank the mighty Allah for the victory and I am here to inspire the young generation as well. Me being the 2019 800m World Champion and on the starting line with them should inspire them, and I know more will come,” stated Nakaayi.

Jacob Kiplimo and many others attended the event and followed the action closely.