The first day of the African MMA Championship confirmed Angola as an emerging power in the sport in Africa. The national athletes' team shone in the Kilamba Multipurpose octagon, winning 21 medals in the Youth C and B categories, with nine gold and nine silver medals standing out. A performance that "raised public enthusiasm and reinforced national pride," says the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Dedication, technique and discipline earned recognition for several young Angolans, with highlights including Gizela Luna, Cláudio Fontoura and Dário de Sousa, all crowned two-time African champions.
Also on the first day, Mauritius won its first gold, through Aveer Jootur, who beat Angola's Dinis Bravo in the up to 72kg category (Juvenile B). Likewise, South Africa won the silver medal through Tiano Frau, who was defeated by Angolan Ildrio António, in the 44kg category (Juvenile B).
On Tuesday, the second day of the competition, all eyes were on Angolan world champion Mayra Lemos, who did not disappoint. The athlete became two-time African MMA champion after defeating Cameroonian Helena Nkoassan in a "memorable fight, full of technique, courage and Angolan determination", the ministry describes.
With the flag on her chest and the crowd in ecstasy at the Kilamba Arena, Mayra writes her name in the history of African sport.
The competition, which is part of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence, takes place until Saturday at the Kilamba Multipurpose Pavilion, with around 400 athletes from Zambia, Mauritius, Congo Brazzaville, Algeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cameroon, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Admission is free.
In total, and with fights still to come on Tuesday, Angola has 28 medals (14 gold, 13 silver and one bronze).
