Luanda – National Judo Team’s participation in Region 5 Games that started on Monday in Lilongwe, Malawi, is aimed to launch talents ahead of 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (US).
Apart from the young athletes, up to 19 years old, Angola announced the preparation of another team that will seek to qualify for the 2024 edition, in France.
Speaking to ANGOP, shortly before their departure to the competition stage, the national coach, Alexandre Martins, said that they are athletes aged between 15 and 16 years old, with talent and a Great evolution path.
The men’s team comprises Cláudio Francisco (50kg), Joaquim Luís (55kg), Leonardo Rabaçal, Leonardo Barros (60kg), Augusto Dala, Renato Cesar (66kg), Leonardo Domingo (73kg), Santos Sebastião (81kg) and David Caterça (-90 kg), are the one listed.
Women feature Vânia Kessua (44kg), Vânia Gabriel (48kg), Eldima Segunda (48kg), Belmara Manuel (52kg) and Gresnela Alberto (57kg), Rosa Luamba (63kg), Maria Jaime (-70kg) and Odeth Pedro (-78 kg).
In addition to judo, the national delegation to the event includes adapted athletics, basketball (men and women), soccer, swimming, tennis and Taekwando.
In the last edition, Angola ranked third in the overall ranking.
Source: Angola Press News Agency