Nigeria is set to make a historic mark at the 2024 World Sambo Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, becoming the first African nation to present a blind athlete in this prestigious event.
This groundbreaking moment comes as Blind Sambo is being included in the championships for the very first time, with Samuel Oladele Kekere representing Nigeria as the only blind competitor from Africa.
Kekere, who holds an orange belt in Judo and hails from Lagos State, embarked on his journey in combat sports just four years ago. He will compete in the men’s SVI-1 class, designated for totally blind athletes, as he joins fellow competitors from around the globe.
The confirmation of Kekere’s participation was made by Roman Novikov, Chairman of the FIAS Commission for Athletes with Disabilities, and Sheriff Hammed, Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria.
They view this as a monumental opportunity for both the athlete and the nation. Kekere is set to compete in the men’s 64kg category, where he will be joined by teammates James Chegwam and Chairy Jatau, who will also represent Nigeria in the main event scheduled from November 8 to 10 at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace.
The tournament will feature athletes from 80 countries contending for a total of 31 medals over the three-day competition. Supported by Samsideen Ajala, Chairman of the Lagos State Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Nigeria’s delegation departed on November 6 via Turkish Airlines, brimming with optimism for success.
Expressing his excitement, Kekere described his participation as a lifelong dream, conveying confidence in his ability to bring home Nigeria’s first medal in this event. Meanwhile, Jatau, who previously claimed victory as the World Beach Sambo Champion in Morocco earlier this year, is eager to replicate her success.
