Some Congolese don’t seem to forget the C, regardless of how fast time goes.Veterans Judo World Championships(35-39 years old), which took place September 8-11, Krakow. Marc Olivier Loufouma, the only Congolese among eighteen athletes, was the only one to compete in the M2 category. That is, under 100 kilos..
” I had just won France’s championship. Because I had always longed to be a part of this tournament, I made the decision to travel to Krakow. “recalls Marc Olivier Loufouma. Being a standard bearer is more than a privilege. It is a responsibility that must also be taken on. The best way to accept responsibility in a sporting tournament is to win.
However, things are going to go terribly on the tatami. However, things will not go according to plan on the tatami. I had dominated the fight very well. Unfortunately, I was given two penalties that I don’t fully understand. This is how I lost the first fight. “, he laments.
Psychologically damaged but determined
Marc Olivier Loufouma, despite being psychologically damaged, repechages to KO the Kazakh Akhmetzhanov Didar. I thought to myself, it was necessary to prove I wasn’t unworthy in my first fight. I continued fighting like a madman. And eleven minutes later I defeated my opponent with a KO “, testifies the resident of trainer Arnaud Lobaye Bongambé.
Loufouma was defeated by the Azerbaijani Aibek Itsayev in the bronze semi-final due to a counterattack error. The former Red Devil occupies 7eThe world rank at the conclusion of the event. This was a significant first for Congo, as no Congolese had ever reached this rank during a World Veterans Judo Championship. According to the Congolese Feder of Judo & Associated Disciplines (FECOJUDA), This deserves a lot more congratulations.
” We all believed you and you beat heavyweights until the semi-final. Hats off also to the international coach Lobaye Arnaud Bongambé Liyeli for selflessness, pragmatism and for having raised the colors of the country. “, can we read on the FECOJUDA Facebook page.
The path that took the Pointe-Noire native to Krakow was not without its pitfalls. It was the funds that were most at fault. “It is true that IThe Federation supported them. You know as well that the Federation is supported by very limited resources. “says Marc Olivier Loufouma.
Contributions from friends, family, and acquaintances
To raise these funds, he will reach to his relatives. Since the Federation’s assistance was not enough, I had to start a kitty via the internet. Thank God, many of my friends and acquaintances understood the interest. This allowed me the financial means to finance a significant portion of my preparation, notably a month of training at various clubs in South Africa. “Explains the world number 7 in veteran judo.
It’s a long-standing tale that started twenty years ago in Pointe-Noire. Marc Olivier Loufouma is judo and it’s a story that has been going on for decades. He joined the Congolese capital’s “Judo club Tchiapi”, thanks to the advice of a aunt. It was named after its founder Master Pierre Makosso Tchiapi. He has won numerous national and local tournaments thanks to the training he received. He is so confident that he will be joining the national team, where he will assume the role of captain before he travels to South Africa. More of where I found my perfection “.
This was a development that lasted almost ten year before he settled in France, where he is employed at Renault. All the while judo as a veteran. He continues to win victories like the title of champion of France last June.
It is not enough to simply look in the mirror, relax, and enjoy the moment. Judo, like many martial arts, is closely linked to humility as well perseverance. “, he explains.
John Ndinga-Ngoma
Source: sportnewsafrica
