Federation President Abdoulaye Balipily Diallo received the award for Best National Sports Federation in Individual Sport, while Esteves was recognised as Best Female Athlete in Guinea. The ceremony was organised by the Guinean Sports Press Association (APSG).
APSG President Amadou Tham Camara explained that the Nimba d’Or aims to celebrate sporting excellence over the past four years, highlighting the Guinean Judo Federation’s remarkable achievements. “Mariana Esteves is the best female athlete, with 10 medals to her name. It is vital to highlight the achievements of our athletes. On behalf of all Guinean sports journalists, I congratulate Mariana Esteves and the Guinean Judo Federation warmly for their outstanding performances,” he said.
The president of the Guinean National Olympic and Sports Committee, Ben Daouda Nassoko, also praised Esteves, describing her as a role model for young women. He further congratulated the federation, which had previously won the same honour at the 2022 edition of the Nimba d’Or.
After receiving her trophy from the APSG president, Esteves expressed her gratitude, “I would like to thank the Ministry of Sport, the National Olympic Committee, the International Judo Federation, the Guinean Judo Federation, our partners and everyone who works with me. I am proud that this success is shared with so many people. It is an emotional moment and words are not enough to describe how I feel. My goal now is to win even more medals for Guinea.”
For his part, federation President Abdoulaye Balipily Diallo welcomed the double recognition, “I am delighted and proud of these two well-deserved awards for the Guinean Judo Federation. I take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Sport, the National Olympic and Sports Committee, our partners and the Guinean sports press for organising the Nimba d’Or. I also wish to acknowledge the International Judo Federation, in particular Mr Marius Vizer, for his unwavering support. Our officials and judoka are determined to keep defending Guinea’s colours by winning even more medals.”
These distinctions highlight not only the exceptional performances of Guinean judoka but also the vital role played by the Ministry of Sport, the National Olympic Committee, the International Judo Federation and the various partners who support the discipline in the country. This underlines the importance of sustained collaboration between institutions, athletes and sport leaders to ensure the continued growth of judo.