En direct de Londres
Cameroon’s lone judoka at the London 2012 Olympic Games has been eliminated. Dolassem Dieudonne was defeated yesterday by Varlem Liparteliani from Georgia, 0101 – 0003. Fighting at the Excel North Arena playground, the Georgian capitalized on the non-combative errors committed by the Cameroonian athlete to score vital points.
It was a very frustrating -90 kg fight for the Cameroonian who had been beaming with hopes of picking a last 16 ticket. By press time yesterday, Yepmou Mendouo was expected to take on Paddy Joshua of Great Britain in the plus 91 category.
Dolassem Dieudonne’s elimination brings to 25 the number of Cameroonian athletes who have participated in the London 2012 Olympic Games since its official debut on July 27, 2012. Of this number, only one in boxing has qualified for the second phase of the competition, while 24 have been butted out of the medal race.
For the soccer team, after they bid bye on Tuesday at the Coventry Stadium, the Lionesses are on their way back home. According to the Chief of Mission, David Ojong, the first group comprising administrative and part of the technical staff will arrive Yaounde today. While the coach, his assistant and the players will leave London, August 2, 2012 via Brussels for Yaounde.
Prior to their departure, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Adoum Garoua visited the players in their hotel to bid them farewell. During the visit, the Head of Delegation said their early exit from the competition should be an eye opener. That the Olympic Games were an occasion to test skills and draw positive lessons for future competitions.
He added that both the players and coaches now know more about their weaknesses and it was time to work towards improving them ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in November. The Minister who has been to all the matches of the female football team as well as those of other Cameroonian athletes concluded by assuring them of a bright future if they kept working hard.
Before the beginning of the Olympic Games, all financial dues to the players; Olympic allowances, qualification and participation bonuses, had been paid.
Meanwhile, Cameroonian culture and economic potentials will be in the spotlight at the Africa Olympic Village in Kensingtong today. The village, grouping over 20 participating countries in the London 2012 Games, is a forum organised by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.
