She lost her sight - now she is fighting to make history for Africa

Rukayat Taiwo Suleimon only took up sambo this year, but the Nigerian has already secured her place in the history of the martial art.

The sport shares strong roots with judo and wrestling, combining techniques such as hip and leg throws to take opponents to the mat, where they can be pinned.

Originally developed by the Soviet Union's Red Army in the 1920s, it was officially recognised as a combat sport by USSR officials in 1938.

Competing at the 2026 World Sambo Cup in Armenia, Suleimon defeated Uzbekistan's Charos Ortikova in the final of the women's 54kg category to claim victory on her international debut.

It was the first time that women with visual impairments had been included at the competition.

"Being the first female blind sambist in the world to win the gold medal makes me great," the 32-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

"This is my first time in sambo and God crowned my efforts."

Suleimon's achievement was part of a breakthrough moment for African women in the sport. She and compatriot Elizabeth Aseso, who competed in the 59kg category, were among the pioneering sambists representing the continent in Yerevan.

本文の著作権はBBCにあります。