Zambia’s National Judo Team has delivered an outstanding performance at the ongoing Region 5 Youth Games in Windhoek, Namibia, securing a total of five medals and boosting the country’s standing on the regional sports stage. The impressive medal haul reflects Zambia’s growing prominence in judo and signals a bright future for the sport nationally.
Leading the charge was Sylvia Nawila, who captured gold in the fiercely competitive -57kg female category. In a gripping final, Nawila showcased exceptional technique and determination to edge out Angola’s Sebasiano Manuella Bento. Her victory not only earned Zambia its first gold medal of the tournament but also ignited a winning momentum for the team.
Shortly after, Christopher Mulenga delivered another gold medal performance in the -66kg male category. Mulenga dominated his final bout against Paulo Lucas of Angola, demonstrating both tactical prowess and physical strength to secure a convincing win for Zambia.
In addition to the gold medals, Zambia’s judo contingent collected three more medals across various weight classes, underscoring the depth and talent within the squad. These results have elevated Zambia’s overall medal tally at the Youth Games and highlighted the effectiveness of ongoing development programs aimed at nurturing young judo athletes.
Team officials and coaches expressed pride in the athletes’ achievements, noting that the success at Region 5 Youth Games serves as both motivation and a stepping stone towards greater accomplishments on the continental and global judo scene.
Zambia’s judo team now looks ahead with confidence, eager to build on this momentum and continue raising the country’s profile in the sport. With strong performances like those of Nawila and Mulenga, Zambia is proving to be a formidable contender in regional judo competitions.
The Region 5 Youth Games have provided an ideal platform for Zambia’s young judokas to gain valuable experience and showcase their skills, setting the stage for future success and inspiring the next generation of athletes.