By Jorden Curren
The nation of Senegal will be represented for the first time on amateur MMA’s international stage this year as young talent from the country compete at the 2021 IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships.
This year’s IMMAF Youth World Championships are set to the place from 30 July to 1 August in Sofia, Bulgaria, with IMMAF having recently confirmed that the Bulgarian MMA Federation is strongly placed to guarantee the security of the Championships having the recognition and endorsement of its Sports Ministry and with previous experience of hosting the 2017 IMMAF European Open.
Competing under IMMAF’s tailored youth rule sets, which prohibit head strikes for athletes under the age of 18, Senegal’s national youth team currently includes the young trio of: 15-year-old Mouhamadou Rassoul Seck (Youth B Male, 67kg – 148lbs), 15-year-old Amadou Keita (Youth B Male, 48kg – 106lbs) and 17-year old Aicha Badji (Youth A Female, 52.5kg – 115lbs), each making youth sport history for their country.
Earlier this year IMMAF announced that observational membership had been approved for the national governing body, MMA Senegal. Under the leadership of its president, Papa Demba Kane, MMA Senegal is recognised by the Senegalese Ministry of Interior and maintains a strong focus towards national youth development.
