World Sambo Champs: Kekere proud to be first African competitor

Nigeria’s Samuel Kekere has expressed pride in making history as the first blind African athlete to compete at the World Sambo Championships, despite losing his bout to a fighter from Kyrgyzstan in Kazakhstan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 44-year-old Lagos-based athlete, who competes in the T11 classification for total blindness, reflected on his groundbreaking achievement with satisfaction, particularly highlighting the significance of being Africa’s sole representative at the championships.

“I felt great being the only one representing Africa. Thanks to the efforts of our president (Loveth Howell) and vice president (Sheriff Hammed) who made this possible,” Kekere told our correspondent after his bout.

Kekere, who discovered combat sports four years ago after battling with glaucoma that led to his being blind completely during his secondary school days, sees his participation as a stepping stone to greater achievements.

“I learnt a lot from this experience, being around all these countries on this stage and around these champions. This has challenged me to prepare myself ahead of other competitions, and I promise I am going to be much better from what I have seen at the Sambo World Championships,” he said.

The athlete, who had previously won gold and bronze medals in the 200m for Lagos State at the Para Games before transitioning to combat sports, is already looking to inspire others.

“I am now looking forward to other competitors in as much as this has been an opportunity for me to be the number one in Africa,” Kekere added.

Sheriff Hammed, who serves as both the Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, emphasised that Kekere’s participation transcended medal pursuit.

“This is an interesting competition. It is not just about medals or winning the cash prize; it is about exposure and the learning we can take out of this competition. Kekere is now going to be an ambassador to other blind athletes from this experience,” Hammed said.

Hammed also highlighted the educational value of the championship, particularly in terms of improving support systems for blind athletes.

“I am happy interacting with other countries; I am learning a lot of techniques and also how blind people can be helped, how to make signs, and how they can be supported. It is different from what we do back home,” he added.

Kekere will look to showcase his newfound experience when he returns to competition at an event in Lagos on November 18.