Côte d'Ivoire's deaf taekwondo athletes have made their mark on the international scene, with Ouattara Pingué Aliman and Assiélou Houphouëté Ange Miracle Ursula winning silver and bronze medals respectively at the Val-de-Reuil international open in France. The competition took place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Gymnase Léo Lagrange sports complex in Val-de-Reuil, Normandy. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the athletes and the Fédération des sports des sourds de Côte d'Ivoire (FSSCI).
Ouattara Pingué Aliman, from Tafiré in the Hambol region, secured the silver medal, building on her impressive track record. She is a member of the OD Taekwondo Club de Tafiré and has previously won an silver medal at the Dreux international open in April 2026. Aliman also emerged as the champion of the first international open for deaf athletes held in Abidjan in May 2026 and claimed a bronze medal at the Swiss Open in Saint-Gall in September 2026.
Assiélou Houphouëté Ange Miracle Ursula, a member of the OD Taekwondo Abobo, won the bronze medal at the Val-de-Reuil international open. She has participated in several international competitions, including the Tollyo Academy open in Charleroi, Belgium, where she secured a bronze medal on November 8, 2026. These achievements demonstrate the potential and talent of Côte d'Ivoire's deaf taekwondo athletes on the international stage.
The director technical national (DTN) of the FSSCI, Moïse Touré Sié Clofolo, expressed his joy and pride in the athletes' performances. He stated that their achievements bring honor to Ivorian taekwondo globally. These results reflect the efforts of the FSSCI and the national technical staff in promoting and developing deaf taekwondo in Côte d'Ivoire.
The medals won by Aliman and Ursula underscore the capabilities of deaf athletes to compete at the highest level in international sports. Their achievements serve as an encouragement for the promotion of inclusion through sports. The FSSCI's efforts in nurturing and supporting deaf athletes have yielded positive results, with the athletes demonstrating their skills and talent on the international stage.
Aliman's ranking as 15th in the world deaf taekwondo rankings in August 2026 further highlights her remarkable progress. Her consistent performance in various international competitions showcases her dedication and hard work. The success of Aliman and Ursula will undoubtedly inspire other deaf athletes in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond to pursue their passion for sports.
The silver and bronze medals won by Côte d'Ivoire's deaf taekwondo athletes at the Val-de-Reuil international open are a testament to their perseverance and talent. As the athletes continue to make their mark on the international scene, they pave the way for future generations of deaf athletes to excel in sports.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's deaf taekwondo athletes have won medals at the Val-de-Reuil international open in France, with Ouattara Pingué Aliman securing silver and Assiélou Houphouëté Ange Miracle Ursula winning bronze.
