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In an inspiring move toward greater global recognition, Nigeria will participate in the 2024 World Sambo Championships for the first time.
This major international event will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from November 6 to 10. Nigeria’s entry into the World Sambo Championships follows a recent strong showing at the African Beach Sambo Championships in Morocco, where the Nigerian team impressed the continent with its skill and determination.
This historic moment not only marks an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its growing talents in martial arts but also sets the stage for greater inclusion within the sport.
A key figure in Nigeria’s journey to Kazakhstan is Samuel Oladele Kekere, an inspiring athlete known for his achievements in blind sambo. Kekere’s presence on the team brings a powerful message of resilience and courage. His participation symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity in sports, showing the world that individuals with disabilities can reach remarkable heights in competitive environments. Joining him are fellow Nigerian athletes Charity Jatau, the reigning African women’s champion, along with James Chegwam and Alani Balogun. Together, these athletes represent Nigeria’s diverse talent and the dedication of Team Nigeria to grow within the sambo world.
Guiding these athletes is Lagos State coach Gbenga Montana, whose training and leadership have been central to their preparation. Coach Montana’s expertise and vision have brought the Nigerian team closer to this international milestone, instilling in them the skill and discipline necessary for such a prestigious competition. As the team prepares to enter the global arena, they do so with a sense of national pride and an eagerness to contribute to Nigeria’s standing in martial arts.
The competition will take place at the renowned Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Astana, welcoming athletes from an impressive 79 countries. This year’s event will feature multiple categories, including men’s and women’s sport sambo, combat sambo, and, for the first time, men’s SVI-1 blind sambo—a category exclusively for totally blind athletes. The addition of this new category showcases the evolving diversity within sambo and highlights the sport’s expanding accessibility. By including athletes like Kekere in the competition, the World Sambo Championships broaden the platform for athletes with disabilities, creating a more inclusive competitive environment.
Kekere’s participation in the SVI-1 blind sambo category holds special significance for Nigeria, representing a historic achievement for African athletes with disabilities. His eligibility was officially confirmed by Roman Novikov, Chairman of the FIAS Commission for Athletes with Disabilities, who stated, “Your athlete meets the criteria of the international classification rules for blind sambo in class SVI-1.” Kekere’s debut in this category is not only a personal accomplishment but also a milestone for African representation in adaptive sports, highlighting the strength of athletes overcoming physical challenges to reach the international stage.
The 2024 World Sambo Championships will also serve as the last qualifying round for the esteemed World Games 2025, which will take place in Chengdu, China. This opportunity adds another layer of importance to Nigeria’s participation, offering Nigerian athletes a pathway to further global recognition and allowing them to measure their skills against the world’s best. Success at the championship could open doors for future involvement in the World Games, establishing Nigeria as a consistent presence in the international martial arts scene.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s debut at the 2024 World Sambo Championships signifies an exciting development for the country’s martial arts athletes. With a team led by remarkable talents and supported by dedicated coaching, Nigeria is making strides not only toward athletic achievement but also toward setting a powerful example of inclusion. The participation of Team Nigeria, especially with an athlete like Samuel Oladele Kekere in the newly introduced blind sambo category, is likely to inspire the next generation of martial artists. It is a testament to the country’s growing prominence on the global stage, as Nigeria continues to break barriers and advance its standing in international sports.
