The pairs of Paul Akan and Gisubizo Merci in the men’s category and Munezero Valentine and Uwiringiyimana Albertine in the women’s category emerged victorious in the first leg of the Rwanda National Beach Volleyball Championship.
In the men’s competition, 15 teams had registered, but 14 eventually took part. They were divided into four groups: two groups consisted of four teams each, while Group A and Group C had three teams apiece.
On the women’s side, 11 teams registered, with 10 participating. These were split into four groups, each containing three teams, except Groups A and B which had two teams each.
Matches kicked off on Friday with group-stage games, followed by knockout rounds and the finals.
Men’s Category
Paul Akan of APR VC, partnering with Gisubizo Merci of REG VC, booked their place in the final after defeating APR VC teammates Niyonshima Samuel and Mbonigaba Vincent in straight sets, 2–0 (25–23, 21–17), in the semifinals.
In the other semifinal, Nzirimo Mandela of EAUR VC and Niyikiza Levis of APR VC overcame Munezero Cedrick and Shema Kelly of APR VC, also in straight sets, 2–0 (24–22, 21–15).
In the third-place playoff, Samuel and Vincent bounced back to beat Munezero and Shema 2–1 (21–11, 20–22, 15–10), securing the bronze position.
The final lived up to expectations, as Ghanaian national Akan and Rwandan partner Merci displayed great composure to defeat Mandela and Levis 2–1 (24–22, 14–21, 15–11), clinching the first leg of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball Championship.
- Gold: Akan & Merci
- Silver: Levis & Mandela
Women’s Category
In the women’s semifinals, APR WVC pair Munezero Valentine and Uwiringiyimana Albertine dominated Kepler WVC’s Tuyizere Jacqueline and Sifa Ingrid, winning 2–0 (21–14, 21–6) to reach the final.
The second finalist emerged after a tight battle, where Police WVC teammates Yankurije Françoise and Nirere Aliane edged past Ainembabazi Catherine and Ayepoe Sandra Azumerah 2–1 (17–21, 21–18, 15–10).
The third-place match saw Catherine and Sandra defeat Tuyizere and Sifa 2–0 (21–19, 21–16), earning the bronze medal.
In a thrilling final, Munezero and Uwiringiyimana sealed the title after overcoming Yankurije and Nirere 2–1 (21–14, 17–21, 15–8).
The second and final leg of the Rwanda National Beach Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place from June 19 to June 21, 2026.
