Equity Bank recorded decisive wins in chess, basketball, table tennis, tug‑of‑war, darts and lawn tennis as the 40th edition of the Interbank Games got underway.

The bank’s ladies’ basketball team beat National Bank of Kenya 46‑16, while the men’s table tennis side defeated Stanbic 3‑0.

The women’s table tennis squad added wins over Kingdom Bank (3‑1) and I&M Bank (3‑0).

Equity’s men’s tug‑of‑war crew overcame I&M Bank 2‑0 and the darts team edged Bank of Africa 3‑2.

Lawn tennis produced mixed results: the women’s team recovered from an opening loss to beat NCBA 2‑1 overall, while the men’s side fell 1‑2 to the same opponent.

With two weeks of competition remaining, Equity’s early successes give it an advantage as 38 banking and financial institutions contest 49 events involving more than 6,000 participants.

Equity Sports Coordinator Nick Ongeri said the bank’s legacy of consistency, discipline and thorough preparation underpins its aim to retain the crown.

Kenya Bankers Association chief Raimond Molenje opened the tournament, noting the games showcase employee abilities beyond daily banking roles and support a shared vision of a sector that drives Kenya’s development.