Leticia Chioca: "My dream is to found the Angolan Mas-Wrestling Association"

The international mas-wrestling tournament among youth took place on March 15 at the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples under the BRICS+ umbrella.

Young people fr om 18 countries gathered in the capital of Russia. Among them were athletes for whom mas-wrestling has become an important part of their lives. Leticia is one of them.

Hard training in this exotic and unusual sport for many has paid off - the Angolan took an honorable first place among women in the weight category 65 kg.

"I am very excited and very happy that I won the gold medal," Leticia shares her impressions. "I did not expect this result, as I had to fight with very professional mas-wrestlers. I am grateful to fate for such a chance."

The girl was assisted in preparing for the upcoming tournament by her brother Zacarias, who had previously made quite a name for himself as a world-class mas-wrestler. In Moscow, at this tournament, he was invited and served as a referee for the prestigious competitions. The brother and sister trained every day as sparring partners. Leticia was also helped by other guys from Ufa, wh ere they live and study. They are all trained by Ilgam Ishmukhametov, a fan of the Yakut sport.

Leticia Chioca: "I never lost hope and always knew that a chance for victory would come. Every day I watched my weight and diet to fit into the weight category up to 65 kg.

I believed in myself and participated in local competitions to get more experience. Mas-wrestling interests me not only as a sport, which undoubtedly helps me develop physically. Mas-wrestling gives me the opportunity to learn the traditions of another people and become closer to the community of mas-wrestlers. This is a special caste. I am proud to be part of this big world of mas-wrestlers."

To develop mas-wrestling on the African continent, two tasks need to be solved. The first is to familiarize the population with this sport, as many do not know about it at all. The second is to hold a full-fledged international presentation tournament. I will continue engaging in mas-wrestling in the future. To promote it in my country and everywhere possible. Of course, I am ready for new opportunities here in Russia. But I want to be useful and contribute to the development of mas-wrestling in my country. My dream is to establish a Mas-wrestling Association in Angola to give our youth the opportunity to engage in this sport. Fr om my experience, I know that it is great, and I want everyone to follow my advice: Be positive and believe in yourself.

Leticia Chioka is a participant in many major international competitions, wh ere she has proven to be an excellent team player. After all, in mas-wrestling, not only personal advantage is important, but also the ability to be part of a large friendly family.