Zablon Masha keen on building a future for disability judo in Kenya

Kenya Judo Federation head coach Zablon Masha is hoping to make the sport more inclusive by creating opportunities for people living with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired and physically disabled.

Masha said his interest in disability judo was inspired by the potential he sees in people with disabilities and his belief that they can excel in sport when given the right support and training.

"When you look at a blind person, you find someone who has hands, can walk and has almost everything needed to train. The only challenge is that they cannot see, and that inspired me to start thinking about training them," said Masha.

The coach believes judo can play a key role in empowering people with disabilities by helping them build confidence, learn self-defence and develop skills that can improve their lives.

"I want to show people that disability is not the end of life. Sports can become a source of income, and there is space for everyone," he said.

Masha noted that many people with disabilities remain at home without realizing the opportunities available to them through sport. He is now encouraging them to step forward and give judo a chance.

"Many are sitting at home without knowing they could become future stars. I encourage them to come and try sports. They will learn self-defence and may discover abilities they never knew they had," he said.

He also called on parents, guardians and friends to support children living with disabilities by introducing them to sports at an early age and helping them explore their talents.

Masha thanked the Kenya Judo Federation for supporting his vision and appealed to Kenyans to rally behind efforts aimed at making the sport accessible to all.

His hopes come at a time when disability sports continue to gain recognition across the world, with more athletes proving that physical limitations do not define one's ability to succeed.

For Masha, the goal is simple: to ensure that people with disabilities are given the same opportunity to learn, compete and thrive through judo.