Sierra Leonean Weightlifters to Compete in 2025 Junior and Youth Championship in Ghana

Sierra Leonean weightlifters Francis Kondeh and Ishmail Kamara have arrived in Accra, Ghana, to compete in the 2025 Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championship.

Accompanied by Technical Director Sallieu Kamara, the duo will participate in the competition, which runs from August 18th to 21st, 2025, and features some of the continent's most promising young athletes.

Mohamed Bangura, President of the Sierra Leone Weightlifting Association, confirmed that Kondeh and Kamara underwent intensive training in Freetown in preparation for the tournament and are eager to make their mark on the continental stage. Bangura expressed confidence in the abilities of the lifters, emphasizing that the championship presents a crucial opportunity for them to gain international experience, test their strength, and proudly represent Sierra Leone.

The championship also serves as a vital platform for talent identification and qualification for future international events, including the World Championship, which is a qualifying event for the Commonwealth Games.

Sierra Leone's participation highlights the increasing interest in weightlifting among the nation's youth and the commitment of sports authorities to foster emerging talent.

On Sunday, the duo and their Technical Director attended the African Weightlifting Federation Medical Seminar and attended the WFA Anti-Doping Seminar on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Central Hotel in Ghana.