Kishoiyan vows to step up to Doha challenge

National 400m champion Alphas Kishoiyan has promised to put on a good show in the World Championships that gets underway on Friday in Doha, Qatar.

Fresh from competing at the 12th African Games in Morocco where he finished fifth, Kishoiyan is now banking on his experience from past championships to propel him through to the finals.

Kishoiyan and Emmanuel Korir are Kenya’s only representatives in the one-lap race with Korir yet to decide if he will double alongside his 800m specialty.

“It would have been better if we were many but I will go and do my best. I will try to control my race from the heats and see if I can make it to the finals but I promise my fans that I will deliver,” said Kishoiyan.

The 24-year old won silver in 2011 World Youth Championships before shifting to the senior category where he made his debut over the distance at the 2015 Championships although he didn’t go beyond the preliminary stage.

Despite missing out on the last edition held in London, Kishoiyan is upbeat his experience over the years will be key as when his race kicks off on Tuesday.

“Experience is very important and for me being there before I think it will be essential in how I approach the race from heats to semis and finals,” he added.

Kishoiyan is also in the 4x400m mixed relay team where he will team up alongside Alex Sampao, Joseph Poghisio, Mary Moraa and Gladys Musyoki.

Kenya bagged a bronze at the World Relay championships held May in Japan and Kishoiyan believes they can repeat the same feat in Doha.

“I think we have a chance because we have what it takes. The World Relays provided us with a good experience and I think we can do it again,” he said.

Elsewhere, national record holder Hellen Syombua and national champion Mary Moraa will fly Kenyan flag in the corresponding women’s race.