Baligeya provides Uganda’s silver lining at Islamic meet

KAMPALA.

Despite failing to win a gold medal, Geoffrey Baligeya left the Lugogo MTN Arena yesterday a satisfied man.

The weight lifter clinched the overall silver medal in the 105kg group at the second edition of the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation weight lifting tournament. “I am happy with the improvement I have made since last year’s games,” said Baligeya after receiving his medal.

The weight lifter, who was the only Ugandan to take part on the day, had previously finished fifth at the first edition held in Saudi Arabia. After finishing third in the Snatch event, Baligeya finished second in the ‘Clean and Jerk’ to claim the second position overall as well silver and bronze in those respective events.

The day however belonged to Libya’s El Wadhani Abdulmonen, who claimed a meet record in the ‘Clean and Jerk’ on his way to winning the category while Saudi Arabia’s Alsada Quassim finished third.

The day’s other category had Turkey’s Shaban Ayhen win the 105+kg category while Abdullah Alsherami of Saudi Arabia claimed silver.

Charles Sekyaaya finished as Uganda’s gold medal winner from a team of seven while Baligeya increased Uganda’s silver medal tally to three. Ladies Irene Kaswubo (63kg), Prossy Nyanga (75+kg), Awula Nakiganda (53kg) and Becky Nairuba (75+kg) compete today.

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
105kg category overall results
El Wadhani Minham (Libya) Gold
Geoffrey Baligeya (Uganda) Silver
Alsada Quassim (S.Arabia) Bronze
105+kg category overall results
Shaban Ayhen (Turkey) Gold
Abdullah Alsherami (S. Arabia) Silver
Hassan El Alawi (S. Arabia) Bronze