Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) Wednesday emerged the overall winners at the conclusion of the 10th edition of the 2016 East Africa Military Games and Cultural event 2016 in Kigali.

KDF shone in three out of five sports disciplines, including handball, football and cross country, winning trophies during the closing ceremony at Amahoro National stadium in Kigali.

The awarding ceremony was graced by several officials, including Chief of Defense Staffs from four regional countries.

In athletics, Kenya dominated both the women and men's cross country races winning gold, Uganda won silver, Rwanda won bronze while Tanzania finished fourth in general ranking.

Kenya's Emmanuel Kipsang won gold after clocking a time of 27:15:68 while Private Franklin Ocelli and Superintendent Stephen Arita finished in second and third places respectively, with a time of 27:16:10 and 27:17:15.

In the women's category, Kenya claimed all the trophies after Warrant Corporal Sheila Chepkirui clocked 31:17:18 minutes to win Gold, her other compatriots Private Joyceline Chepkosgei and Private Judith Chemutai finished in second and third positions respectively.

The two-week event is held on rotational basis; and the 11th edition of the East African Military Sport Games and cultural event will be hosted in Tanzania in 2017, officials announced.

KDF Handball team meanwhile snatched gold after beating RDF by 32 to 26 points in the last game while Uganda and Rwanda bagged silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In football, Kenya grabbed the title after host Rwanda Defense Force was defeated in a match played against Tanzania on Wednesday.

Rwanda claimed silver while Tanzania took bronze.

In Netball, Tanzania claimed the title after beating all other teams from the start.

Uganda beat Kenya 55-43 to win silver medal while Rwanda finished fourth.

Uganda's Annet Nichiwu was named the top scorer of the tournament, Rwanda's Shallotte Umugwaneza was the best defender in netball while Tanzanian's Suleiman Nassra was named the most valuable player.

Closing the games, the Chairman of Rwanda's organizing committee, Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Safari, said the games were a reminder that once again the people of EAC are one.

Source : XINHUA