Déo Grace Makoutika Ndoudi: A Journey Built on Love for the Sport

The 20th African SAMBO Championships wrapped up in Cairo, bringing together the continent's strongest SAMBO athletes from June 13 to 15. Representing the Republic of the Congo in the 64 kg weight category was Déo Grace Makoutika Ndoudi, who claimed bronze in 64 kg in the Sport SAMBO discipline. For an athlete with nearly five years in the sport, the medal was the latest milestone in a steady climb.

"I love SAMBO in all its variety, and I do this martial art out of love for the sport," he says, explaining what keeps him moving forward. It's a simple statement, but one that goes a long way toward explaining how, in under five years, he has gone from newcomer to one of his country's strongest athletes.

His first international success came in 2023, when he won silver at the African Beach SAMBO Championships in Casablanca, Morocco. Results at home followed the same upward trajectory: for three consecutive years, from 2023 through 2025, he claimed the Kouilou regional title, and in 2025 he topped the podium at the Republic of the Congo's national championship. Each title was a step toward making his mark on the continental stage.

A training camp in Russia played a particularly important role in his preparation for Cairo, the athlete says. Held in Armavir in 2025, the camp was made possible through joint efforts by the SAMBO Federation of the Republic of the Congo, the All-Russian Sambo Federation, the "Sirius" Martial Arts Academy, and the Africa Centrum, which served as a platform bringing Russian and Congolese partners together.

"Training in Russia played an important role in my performance. We gained valuable experience, got to know modern training methods, and had the chance to work alongside strong athletes. It helped me compete with more confidence at the African Championships and get back on the podium," Déo Grace recalls.

He singled out his thanks to Rudolf Babayan, Vice President of the All-Russian Sambo Federation and President of the Krasnodar Territory SAMBO and Judo Federation, for the warm welcome, his attention to developing young athletes, and his support for international sporting exchanges.

According to Déo Grace, this year's championship stood out for its high level of competition – which makes the bronze medal all the more meaningful. His story is one of individual perseverance, made possible by the coordinated work of many: coaches, federations, and partners committed to growing SAMBO across Africa.

His next target is already set: the 21st African SAMBO Championships in 2027. Déo Grace Makoutika Ndoudi says he'll head into it with the same mindset that got him this far – a love for the sport, and a drive to keep growing.