Benguela – The third edition of the National Mixed Martial Arts Championship (MMA - acronym in English) kicked off this Friday (19), in this city, with the participation of 11 provinces, ANGOP learned.
The competition, which ends this Sunday (21), is taking place in the seniors and juniors category with athletes from the provinces of Benguela, Bengo, Bengo, Bié, Cuando Cubango, Huambo, Huíla, Luanda, Namibe, Uíge and Zaire.
According to the president of the Angolan MMA Federation, Armando Diogo, the objective of the competition is to choose the best athletes to represent the Angolan team in the African Championship that will take place in Namibia, from May 27th to June 2nd.
Armando Diogo was satisfied with the level of athletes who for the first time are participating in a national championship of the sport, stating that its future is guaranteed.
"We want to keep Angola's name in the top three worldwide, hence all this effort, both from the Government and the Federation", he said.
The sport manager requested increased support from the Benguela authorities in terms of accommodation and transport, as well as Traffic Police scouts to escort the sports caravans.
The provincial director of Culture, Youth Tourism and Sports, Rosália Chitale, said that the holding of the national MMA championship demonstrates the Angolan Executive's commitment to various sports.
“It is necessary to praise the professionalization of athletes, without forgetting the importance of the development of the human person”, he said.
The championship features 210 athletes, 190 male and 20 female, as well as 30 managers and 19 referees.
CRB/CF/jmc
