Charity JATAU: “I’m happy that my country’s anthem was played at the African SAMBO Championships”

The Nigerian athlete Charity Jatau won a gold medal in Sport SAMBO in the weight category up to 59 kg at the African Championships in Cairo (Egypt). After the award ceremony, she told the FIAS website about what SAMBO means to her and shared her emotions during the playing of the Nigerian anthem at the competition.

Charity, was it difficult to win gold?

– Yes, it’s a little difficult. I have already managed to win in SAMBO – this year it happened at the African Games in Ghana, but the African Sambo Championship is different, it was not easy.

How did you prepare for this tournament and what did you bet on?

– Immediately after the African Games, I began preparing for the African Championships, and in fact my training camp lasted two months. All this time I was practicing both SAMBO and judo, but of course, I focused on practicing SAMBO techniques.

Why did you decide to choose SAMBO?

– I like SAMBO, it is an interesting and beautiful sport. Since I started my journey in judo, SAMBO is close and understandable to me, because many SAMBO techniques are also found in judo.

What is the difference, and how significant is it?

– Of course, there is a difference, and it is obvious. In SAMBO I can perform any technique and get points for it. There are a lot of restrictions in modern judo; not every technique, not every movement brings points. In SAMBO, almost every activity can bring points.

At the African Championships, thanks to your performance, perhaps for the first time in history of SAMBO the Nigerian anthem was played. What do you feel?

– I cannot describe my feelings in words, I can say that I am touched by this fact and absolutely happy. And now, after I took the highest step of the podium, I just need to go forward and do everything to make the anthem of my country sound as often as possible.

Where exactly – forward?

– I would really like to continue to participate in all African and international competitions, and I will only strive for “gold”. I would especially like to thank FIAS for the opportunity to participate in this tournament. This means a lot to me and my team.

How will you celebrate?

– When I return home to Nigeria, we will have a big celebration with my family and friends, and properly celebrate my victory.