African Judo Open-Abidjan 2023: ICT University student flies Cameroon’s flag high, grabs gold.

The young athlete raised the flag of the country high, winning two medals including gold, during the continental event.

The dynamic judoka, added another gold medal to her collection in the women's -52kg category on Saturday June 17.

It was a remarkable and impressive victory for Baba Matia, who, besides being an athlete, is a student of the Yaounde-based ICT University.

Having already shone at the African Junior Cup in Abidjan earlier, Baba Matia appeared not contented with her previous victory. 

With determination and a daring attitude, the young sportswoman dominated the tatamis at the African Open Seniors, confirming her place among the continent's best judokas. 

Her second victory on Ivorian soil, in an event of such stature, marked an important stage in her already promising career.

Cameroon shines

Cameroon could not have wished for a better ambassador to represent the country on the international judo scene. 

Baba Matia, with her remarkable performances, embodies the fighting spirit and determination of an entire nation. 

Her double triumph in Côte d'Ivoire illustrates Cameroon's ability to shine in top-level sport.

Baba Matia Marie Céline has set an important milestone in her career and in the history of Cameroonian judo. 

The next stages of her career will undoubtedly be followed with interest, both in Cameroon and internationally. 

Baba Matia has shown that she is capable of competing with the best. 

Cameroon and the world of judo are now eagerly awaiting her future victories.

It should be recalled that the African Judo Open, which began on June 17, brought together 154 competitors, including 101 men and 53 women from 27 countries in the senior category. 

Abidjan also hosted the "Cadet and Junior African Cup".

The Abidjan African Cup was held at the Palais de Sports in Treichville. 

For the cadet tournament, seven countries with 25 athletes, including 25 boys and 11 girls participated. 

Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, Mali and Mauritania were represented. 

Ivory Coast, the host country, finished first, followed by Burkina Faso and Niger for the overall ranking.

On the second day of the competition, the juniors were in action. 

12 countries participated, including Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, France, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire.

Côte d'Ivoire won 16 medals including four gold, five silver and seven bronze. 

Organisers say the Abidjan Open 2023 was a successful one. 

Senegal emerged at the top of the rankings with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals. 

Then followed Côte d'Ivoire that won two gold medals, one silver medal and six bronze medals. 

Cameroon finished in third place with two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.