The Congolese judo delegation returned to Brazzaville on November 9 following a successful performance at the African Judo Cup in Cameroon, where the national team secured second place in the overall standings for both junior and cadet categories.
The team’s arrival was marked by a public reception attended by representatives from the Ministry of Sports, fans, and officials from the Congolese Judo and Associated Disciplines Federation (Fécoju-DA), as reported by adiac-congo.com.
Congolese athletes won medals in multiple junior weight classes. Gold medals were awarded to Chance Symphora Mankala Oyilantama in the -52 kg category, Jhoey Joseph Mpenaya in the -60 kg class, and Rostand Itoua in the -73 kg division.
Silver medalists included Triphene Choua Abomi (-48 kg), Juldia Florence Pea (-52 kg), Rabby Parker Mbamba (-60 kg), Emmanuel Héritier Nkaya Biensa (-81 kg), and Pavie Rodney Aka (+100 kg). Rosine Titi Mabiala contributed a bronze medal in the -57 kg category.
In the cadet competition, four Congolese judokas claimed gold medals: Jhoey Joseph Mpenaya (-60 kg), Théorel Nkou Niringa (-55 kg), Christ Alounga (-66 kg), and Rostand Itoua (-73 kg). Chance Symphora Mankala Oyilantama added a silver medal to the team’s tally in the -52 kg category.
The cadet bronze medalists were Rabby Parker Mbamba (-60 kg), Triphene Choua Abomi (-48 kg), and Pavie Rodney Aka (+100 kg). The collective performance across both age groups solidified the team’s second-place finish in the tournament’s general classification.
The path to the podium involved a challenging 2,000-kilometer journey by bus from Brazzaville to Yaoundé. Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Mpenaya Jhoey Joseph noted the difficulty of the path to gold.
The combat was not easy because the other person trained and I did the same on my side,
Mpenaya Jhoey Joseph said. It was in the semi-final against a Cameroonian in front of her public. Thanks to my determination, I was able to win this victory and feel very good after having clinched this gold medal.
Neyl Francis Ata Assiokarah, president of the Fécoju-DA, described the results as a historic achievement given the constraints faced during the preparation phase. He emphasized the need for consistent institutional backing to build on this momentum.
Today, the pleasure is shared with all Congolese and the entire sporting world,
Assiokarah stated. I reach out to the authorities, sponsors, and our partners to come and support the Congolese Judo Federation. I ask our oversight body to grant us access to the Kintélé site for the preparation of our athletes, which will allow us to do even better.
The federation is currently targeting two major sporting events scheduled for 2027 as part of its long-term development strategy.
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