Senegalese archer Defends Continental Title in Thrilling African Championships
Dakar, Senegal – November 24 – In a display of remarkable skill and unwavering determination, Senegalese para-archer Aliou Dramé has once again claimed the gold medal in the men’s open compound bow category at the African Archery Championships held in Abidjan. this victory marks a important achievement, solidifying Dramé’s status as a dominant force in African archery.
Dramé, a world-ranked athlete competing as a para-athlete, faced stiff competition but ultimately triumphed over his familiar rival, Abderrahmane Elkous of Algeria. This mirrors their previous encounter in the 2023 championships held in Tunis, where Dramé also secured the top spot. In a decisive final match, Dramé outscored Elkous with a commanding 141 points to 80, showcasing his precision and consistency under pressure.
Dramé’s journey in the sport has been marked by significant international participation. he recently competed in the men’s open compound individual events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,where he reached the round of 16 before being narrowly defeated by India’s Rakesh Kumar. His current world ranking of 43rd underscores his consistent performance on the global stage.
The 14th African Archery championships, which commenced last Wednesday in the Ivorian capital, served as a crucial qualifier for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The event drew nearly 200 athletes from 21 African nations, all vying for a chance to represent their countries on the international stage. The competition took place at the Robert-Champroux stadium in Marcory.
Senegal’s presence at the championships extended beyond Dramé. Anta Gu7ye also represented the nation in the Recurve Women event. This discipline features archers using a recurve bow, characterized by its distinct curved limbs. Gu7ye’s campaign saw her reach the round of 16, where she was eliminated by the promising 18-year-old Tunisian archer, Roua Ben Abdelkader, ultimately finishing in 14th place.
The Senegalese Minister of Youth and Sports, Khady Diène Gaye, lauded Dramé’s exceptional achievement, attributing his success to performance, work, and determination.
She emphasized, Your commitment and determination have brought Senegal to the roof of Africa.
Minister Gaye also extended her gratitude to the Senegalese Paralympic Sports Federation (FSPH) for their invaluable support,which played a pivotal role in Dramé’s triumph.
