Rwanda national karate athlete Halifa Niyitanga has made history by winning the country first bronze medal at the on-going African Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria from 18-28 July.
Niyitanga was representing Rwanda in the boys Kumite 61kg category, defeated Jeffrey Ken from Benin to fetch the bronze at the 3rd continental youth games.
In the opening qualifying category, he faced off Lucas Marques of Cape Verde but later lost to Burundi Elvis Terimbere in elite second category fight.
He later made a comeback in the deciding fight to beat Gabonese David Obissa to book a ticket for the second runner up medal decider fight, ultimately he won the fight.
Elsewhere, it was tough for teammate Victor Shyaka Kaberuka who lost twice to Morocco’s, Riad Bourahmoun and finally to Nigeria’s Olorunmbe Oluwaseun.
Rwanda sent two boys and one girl, Jovia Umunezero who will compete today in kumite –female -59kgs category.
So far, Rwanda has grabbed two medals in this on-going event; silver medal for women’s national beach volleyball team which has also qualified for Youth Olympic Gmaes 2018 and bronze medal in karate, kumite category -61 kgs.