The National Youth Taekwondo Team has returned from the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, with one bronze medal.
The team’s journey was marked by both strong effort and challenge. 14 year-old Asata Kokonu, competing in the 63kg category, was unable to compete after being disqualified on the basis of age regulations.
In the 59kg category, Jessica Mensah fought bravely in a very close round of 16 match against a Nigerian opponent. Despite a strong performance, she lost with a narrow score and did not advance to the medal rounds.
Loritena Elliot, in the 55kg division, started well by winning his first match. His second bout was also tightly contested, but a narrow loss meant he, too, was unable to reach the medal zone.
The nation’s success at the games was secured by 16 year-old Alfred Kantosoun Bakaanye from the Bono Region. Competing in the 68kg category, Bakaanye showed great courage and skill to fight his way onto the podium, earning Ghana’s sole medal of the competition, a bronze.
The delegation was led by Board Member Wisdom Kankpenuba and Coach Maxwell Alornyo. The team has now arrived back in Ghana following the conclusion of the games.
