Ugandan weightlifter Steven Ojede achieved a commendable 5th place overall in the fiercely contested 96kg category at the 13th African Games, securing a total of 267 points. Notably, Ojede excelled in both the snatch and clean and jerk categories, setting a new personal record despite the formidable competition.
Reflecting on his performance, Ojede remarked,
“It was an intense competition, but I’m proud to have surpassed my previous best with 267 total points, breaking the record of 260. Competing against the continent’s top lifters was challenging, but I persevered to set a new personal milestone.”
Residing in Lira, Ojede emphasized the need for greater government support to elevate Ugandan weightlifting onto the international stage. Highlighting the obstacles faced by athletes, he mentioned,
“In our gym, we lack sufficient commitment and financial backing. We struggle with inadequate training facilities, limited access to quality supplements, and proper nutrition.”
In the 96kg category, Egypt’s Karim Ibrahim Aly Abokahla clinched the gold medal with an impressive 343 points, followed closely by Nigeria’s Desmond Akano with 336 points. Algeria secured the bronze with a total of 330 points, showcasing the high level of competition at the event.
