Mozambique judokas win six medals in South Africa

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Mozambique judokas win six medals in South Africa

12:55 CAT | 05 Jul 2016

O País

Mozambique’s national anthem again echoed in Johannesburg’s majestic Carnival City as Mozambican judokas climbed the podium to accept three gold and three silver medals in the ongoing regional judo championships.

Arthur Junior, fighting at 60 kg, won gold at senior level; Ayton Siquir, gold and silver medals in the 73 kg category; Yanick Martins took gold medal in the 100+ kg band; and Jacira Costa, two silver medals in the 52 kg category for cadets and seniors.

Also participating in this competition were Mozambican judokas Daniel Bernardo, who finished in 7th place, Mauro Nassone (5th) and Hélder Martins (5th).

The Mozambicans judokas’ honourable showing follows their acquisition last May of 11 medals, including four gold, three silver and an equal number of bronze in the Commonwealth Championship May in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where judoka Nilton Mujovo won silver in the veterans ranking.

The Johannesburg competition served as preparation for the African Judo Championship for juniors and cadets on the 20-27th of this month in Casablanca, Morocco.

For now, the Mozambican Judo Federation (FMJ) is making efforts to raise funds to enable national judokas to participation at the event. The FMJ recently requested funds for this purpose from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sports Promotion Fund, and is now waiting for a response.

Commenting on the outcome of the competition, Nilton Mujovo, Secretary General of the Mozambican Judo Federation, said: “First, we must say that it was a well-fought race in which we did our best. Fortunately, we managed to win six medals in this event. Our judokas are to be congratulated for having managed to beat opponents who enjoy conditions.”

Mujovo said that the most important thing was for Mozambicans judokas to continue to work hard to achieve good results in the international arena.

“Despite the difficulties we face, we try to give our best, to honour our country. We know the difficulties Mozambique is facing, but we call on those who are appointed to do so to give their support.”

Mujovo went on to speak about twhich is, in his opinion, starting to bear fruit. “The results of the work training new judo talent are beginning to show. Indeed, many judokas who today have achieved podium places are the result of that training. We will continue to emphasise this component in order to achieve continuity at senior levels,” he said.

Source: O País