Abraham wins African bronze
Beach wrestling
The second edition of the African Beach Wrestling Championships was held in Dakar, Senegal last weekend.
More than 100 wrestlers entered to compete for the glory of becoming continental title holders.
The Namibian Wrestling Federation Namibia had entered two wrestlers, Pieter Lafras Uys and Ester Abraham.
Coach Charl van der Merwe, balancing the responsibility of both coach and acting as referee at the event, showcased professionalism and expertise.
Before the start to the tournament, 20-year-old Abraham said: “We are here to learn as much as we can and we are hopeful for good results.”
Ester Abraham achieved an impressive third place, competing with 16 wrestlers in the senior category. She made it to the quarter-finals where she beat Wendgounda Nabi from Burkina Faso, before losing in the semi-final against Nogona Bakayoko to earn a bronze medal. Marie Sambou from Senegal scooped up the gold.
Pieter Lafras Uys (17) competed in the 90 kg category and placed 7th out of 11 competitors, giving an promising account of himself as a young wrestler in international competition.
Beach wrestling is growing in popularity and will feature at the 2026 Olympic Youth Games to be held in Senegal.
In Namibia it is currently still in its development stages and quite new to the local wrestling fraternity. However, the Namibia Wrestling Federation plans to be deliberate in its development of beach wrestling and to one day invite the world to come wrestle on our sunny, sandy beaches.
More than 100 wrestlers entered to compete for the glory of becoming continental title holders.
The Namibian Wrestling Federation Namibia had entered two wrestlers, Pieter Lafras Uys and Ester Abraham.
Coach Charl van der Merwe, balancing the responsibility of both coach and acting as referee at the event, showcased professionalism and expertise.
Before the start to the tournament, 20-year-old Abraham said: “We are here to learn as much as we can and we are hopeful for good results.”
Ester Abraham achieved an impressive third place, competing with 16 wrestlers in the senior category. She made it to the quarter-finals where she beat Wendgounda Nabi from Burkina Faso, before losing in the semi-final against Nogona Bakayoko to earn a bronze medal. Marie Sambou from Senegal scooped up the gold.
Pieter Lafras Uys (17) competed in the 90 kg category and placed 7th out of 11 competitors, giving an promising account of himself as a young wrestler in international competition.
Beach wrestling is growing in popularity and will feature at the 2026 Olympic Youth Games to be held in Senegal.
In Namibia it is currently still in its development stages and quite new to the local wrestling fraternity. However, the Namibia Wrestling Federation plans to be deliberate in its development of beach wrestling and to one day invite the world to come wrestle on our sunny, sandy beaches.
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