By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Weightlifting Association, Monday, 25th August 2025, officially presented medals won by athlete Francis Kondeh at the 2025 Africa Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championship to the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai. The presentation ceremony was held at the NSA headquarters in Freetown, marking a proud moment for the country’s sporting fraternity.
Kondeh, who represented Sierra Leone at the championship in Ghana, returned home with medals that not only highlighted his personal achievement but also placed Sierra Leone on the continental weightlifting map. His performance was hailed as a testament to determination, discipline, and the growing potential of the sport in the country.
Delivering the official presentation, the Association’s Technical Director, Sallieu Kamara, expressed gratitude for the NSA’s support before and during their journey. He recalled the Association’s visit to the NSA ahead of their departure to Ghana, where they sought the blessings and encouragement of Dr. Abdulai.
“We came to seek Dr. Abdulai’s blessings before our journey, and indeed his prayers were with us throughout. We promised to return with medals—and we delivered. Today, we are back to present the medals and certificates of outstanding performance to the NSA,” Kamara stated.
The medals were presented alongside certificates of recognition from the championship organizers, affirming Kondeh’s outstanding performance among Africa’s rising weightlifting talents.
Responding to the presentation, Dr. Abdulai congratulated Kondeh and the Sierra Leone Weightlifting Association on behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone. He described the achievement as an inspiration for the country and proof that Sierra Leonean athletes can excel on the international stage despite limited resources.
“You have done remarkably well amidst challenges. The NSA and the entire nation are proud of this outstanding achievement on the continental stage. The NSA is working on sustainable plans to support all sporting disciplines, particularly those bringing laurels to Sierra Leone,” Dr. Abdulai said.
He assured the Association that the NSA is committed to ensuring sports development is not only about football but includes disciplines such as weightlifting, boxing, athletics, and others that continue to bring honor to the country.
Dr. Abdulai also used the occasion to encourage athletes to stay focused and consistent in their training, regardless of whether competitions are immediately available. He emphasized that preparation is key to long-term success and assured the athletes that their efforts are recognized at the national level.
The medal presentation ceremony ended with optimism and renewed commitment from both the NSA and the Sierra Leone Weightlifting Association to continue working together in promoting the sport and nurturing young talents.
For many observers, Francis Kondeh’s achievement is more than an individual triumph. It symbolizes the potential of Sierra Leonean athletes to rise above adversity and compete with excellence on the African stage. With continued support and structured investment, stakeholders believe Sierra Leone can look forward to more victories in international weightlifting and beyond.
