Malawian wins gold in judo at Region V

Malawian athlete Abigail Soko won a gold medal in judo after defeating a South African opponent Faith Sookane in women’s 44-kilogramme (kg) contest at African Union Sports Council Region Five Games in Botswana.

She also combined with aMozambican to win bronze in a mixed team event.

Judo Association of Malawi (JAM) general secretary Osbourne Banda applauded the golden girl for doing Malawi proud.

“We are happy that one of our athletes has won gold,” he said.

“This is no mean achievement considering that South Africa has better facilities and resources than Malawi.”

In an interview, the gold medallist said she is delighted with the triumph.

“I am excited, it shows that our standards in Malawi are good enough,”  she said.

In 44kg men’s category, Austin Chikwapula failed to win a medal, but won two out of four fights.

He beat Mozambican Notico Amanjio and Sigwetso of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) before losing to Lesole Thembe and Thamae Khanya both from Botswana to miss a podium position.

In 60kg contest, Taufiki Kiwala won one and lost two bouts while Yasinta Mthulo lost both her two fights in the 63kg category.