Moroccan Weightlifter Nizar Blelil Wins African Championship Title

Moroccan weightlifter Nizar Blelil has achieved a significant milestone in his career, winning the African Championship title in the under 105kg category at the 2026 African Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Championships held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. This marks his seventh African championship title, solidifying his position as a top athlete in the sport. Blelil's impressive performance earned him the gold medal in his weight category.

In addition to his individual success, Blelil was also awarded the Best Overall Athlete title, beating competitors from Algeria and South Africa. He topped the overall rankings, surpassing Algerian athlete Mohamed Rezki, who finished second, and South African athlete Koulieman, who took third place. This achievement demonstrates Blelil's exceptional skill and dominance in the sport.

The 2026 African Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Championships saw a strong showing from Moroccan athletes, with Adel Taoudi and Hamid Jamal also claiming gold medals in their respective weight categories. Taoudi won in the under 83kg category, while Jamal took top honors in the under 93kg category. These victories contribute to Morocco's positive performance in the competition.

Blelil's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. His achievement is particularly notable given the high level of competition at the championships. The Best Overall Athlete title is awarded to the athlete who demonstrates the best performance across all weight categories, making Blelil's win a significant accomplishment.

Morocco's performance at the championships reflects the country's strong presence in weightlifting and bodybuilding. The team's success is a result of the efforts invested in developing athletes and preparing them for international competitions. Blelil's victory is a prime example of Moroccan athletes' ability to compete at the highest level.

With this win, Blelil cements his position as one of Morocco's top athletes in weightlifting and bodybuilding. His achievement will likely inspire other athletes and contribute to the growth of the sport in Morocco. The country's weightlifting and bodybuilding community can take pride in Blelil's accomplishment and the team's overall performance.

The 2026 African Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Championships provided a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete against top talent from across the continent. Morocco's success in the competition demonstrates its commitment to developing athletes and promoting the sport. Blelil's victory is a notable highlight of the championships, and his achievement will be celebrated by Moroccan sports fans.

Key points

• Nizar Blelil wins African Championship title in under 105kg category
• Blelil claims Best Overall Athlete award at 2026 African Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Championships
• Moroccan athletes win three gold medals in total at the championships