Rwanda’s sitting volleyball captain sets sights on a third Paralympic campaign
Liliane Mukobwankawe outlined Rwanda’s preparations after a third consecutive African championship secured qualification for Paris.
Rwanda’s women’s sitting volleyball team prepared for Paris 2024 with the experience of two previous Paralympic campaigns and a third consecutive African championship. In an IPC feature published on 30 May, captain Liliane Mukobwankawe described a team seeking further progress on the international stage.
Building on Rio and Tokyo
Rwanda had finished eighth at Rio 2016 and seventh at Tokyo 2020. Their victory over Japan in the Tokyo classification match marked the team’s first Paralympic win. Qualification for Paris followed another ParaVolley Africa championship success in January 2024.
Mukobwankawe credited government support, the NPC, players and staff for the team’s development. The preparations described in the feature involved six training days each week, divided between court sessions, gym work and individual exercises. Her medal ambition was a goal for the forthcoming Games, not an accomplished result, reflecting the team’s determination to build on its African standing.