Equity Bank Begins Title Defense in Style, Eyes 4th Consecutive Interbank Games Crown
Equity Bank has made a strong start to its title defense at the 40th edition of the Interbank Games, recording decisive victories across chess, basketball, table tennis, tug-of-war, darts and lawn tennis as it seeks a sixth consecutive overall crown.
The bank also registered strong results in court and table sports. Its ladies’ basketball team beat National Bank of Kenya 46-16, while the men’s table tennis team defeated Stanbic 3-0. The ladies’ table tennis side followed with wins over Kingdom Bank, 3-1, and I&M Bank, 3-0.
In other disciplines, Equity’s men’s tug-of-war team defeated I&M Bank 2-0, while the darts team edged Bank of Africa 3-2.
The lawn tennis teams produced mixed results. Equity’s ladies recovered from an opening singles defeat to beat NCBA 2-1 overall, while the men’s team lost 1-2 to NCBA after a competitive contest.
The results give Equity an early advantage with two weeks of competition remaining, as 38 banking and financial institutions battle across 49 sporting events involving more than 6,000 participants.
Speaking on the performance, Equity Sports Coordinator, Nick Ongeri, said, "Our teams have built a strong legacy of success over the past years through consistency, discipline, and grit. Coming into this 40th edition, we have prepared thoroughly, and our eyes are firmly set on defending our crown and taking the title back home."
The 40th edition brings together employees from across Kenya’s financial sector, with the annual competition providing a platform for institutions to compete while strengthening teamwork and professional relationships beyond the workplace.
Officially opening the tournament, Kenya Bankers Association CEO Raimond Molenje said the games provide an opportunity for participants to demonstrate abilities that extend beyond their everyday roles in the banking sector.
He said the competition also reflects the human capacity within financial institutions, noting that behind the sector’s financial performance are people whose leadership and capabilities contribute to the wider economy.
Molenje said the competition ultimately supports a shared vision of building a banking sector that contributes to Kenya’s development, creates jobs and drives economic progress.
"We are here on the 40th edition of our competition to release the potential that we cannot see from behind our desks and spreadsheets," said Molenje. "Behind the work being done and the profits achieved by banks, there are human beings with capacity, potential, and leadership. In the field, you are competitors, but once we leave the field, we have one vision for our country: to build a banking sector that advances Kenya."
With the opening round delivering strong performances across a wide range of disciplines, Equity will now seek to retain their title as the Interbank Games enters the next phase of competition.