2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England |04 October 2022

Ms Bistoquet accept of the equipment from Mr Gopal (Photo: Patrick Joubert)

Keddy Agnes, Dominic Dugasse, Ned Azemia recognised by Socga for their good performance

Boxer Keddy Agnes, judoka Dominic Dugasse and 400 metres hurdle specialist Ned Azemia have been recognised by the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association for their achievements at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England between July 28 and August 8.

They received a certificate of merit from the president of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Sogca), Antonio Gopal, in a short ceremony held the Olympic House, Roche Caïman yesterday afternoon.

The three athletes also received a trophy from the Athletes’ Commission handed over by chairperson Simone Malbrook and vice-chairperson Rodney Govinden.

Present were sports representatives and members of the Sogca executive committee.

Ned Azemia made it to the final of the men's 400m hurdles after qualifying in heat number two, clocking 51.27 seconds. In the final, he finished seventh overall in 51.71 seconds.

Hard hitter Keddy Agnes, who was Seychelles’ flag bearer at the Games’ opening ceremony and competed in the over 92kg (super heavyweight) category, missed out on winning a bronze medal after losing his quarterfinal fight 0-5 to Sagar Sagar of India. He finished fifth overall in the category.

As for Praslinois judoka Dominic Dugasse, he lost his bronze-medal contest against Liam Park of Australia in the men’s +100kg category. In the elimination round-of-16, he defeated Jamaican Steven Moore by ippon, before losing in the quarterfinal against Kody Andrews of New Zealand. In the repêchage round, Dugasse was drawn against Kenyan Kalvin Afude and the Seychellois heavyweight won by ippon, qualifying for the bronze medal contest where he lost to Park to finish fifth overall.

Dugasse and Agnes were present to collect their certificate and trophy and said they felt honoured and happy that their achievements have been recognised. They said the recognition will motivate them further for greater achievements.

Dugasse went further to add that may their recognition do inspire other athletes to work harder to achieve better results.

Since Azemia was not present, his mother Alda Azemia collected his certificate and trophy on his behalf.

Mr Gopal congratulated the three athletes on their achievements which he said show the efforts and sacrifices they’ve made to reach the level at the games, urging them to work hard to do even better next time.

During the ceremony, Mr Gopal presented the Seychelles Canoe Association with a set of equipment comprising 10 life jackets and 15 spray deck (which prevents water entering in the canoe). The equipment are for the development of young talents under the associations’ youth programme. It is part of Socga’s sponsorship to assist sports federations and associations in the development of their respective sports programmes to get high level athletes. The equipment were presented to the chairperson of the association Sheila Bistoquet in the presence of some members of the association and young paddlers.

Mr Gopal said Sogca was happy to have assisted the Seychelles Canoe Association with the equipment given that it has made an effort to develop its young canoeists.

Ms Bistoquet thanked Sogca for its generous donation to assist the youths.

Patrick Joubert