Sitraka Alban, a 33-year-old father of three from Madagascar, has made history by winning two gold medals in para-armwrestling at the African Championships held in Accra, Ghana. He dominated the left arm and right arm categories, defeating opponents from South Africa and Ghana. Alban's impressive performance has elevated Madagascar's ranking in adapted athletics. His victories were not a surprise to those who know him, as he has been training and competing in armwrestling for years.
Alban's journey in armwrestling began at a young age. Born with a disability in his lower limbs, he had to adapt and find alternative ways to move around. He started using his hands to get around, which inadvertently strengthened his upper body. By the time he was nine years old, Alban was already overpowering his peers in impromptu arm-wrestling matches at school. His talent was discovered by the media in 2015 through the "Over the Top" show, which led to him joining the professional circuit.
Alban's rise to fame in armwrestling has been swift and impressive. He has become a prominent figure in the sport, alongside other notable athletes like Tahiana Étienne. In 2023, Alban won his first African title in Ghana, which marked his entry into the top tier of armwrestling. Despite being busy with his professional life, Alban was persuaded to compete again in 2026, and he has proved his doubters wrong by winning two gold medals.
Alban's training regimen is rigorous and specific to armwrestling. He wakes up at 3 am every day to train, focusing on strengthening his tendons and building his endurance. Armwrestling is a contact sport that requires a combination of strength, technique, and strategy. Alban is known for his clever tactics on the table, often using a combination of the "hook" and "toproll" techniques to outmaneuver his opponents.
Alban's success in armwrestling has not gone unnoticed. He has become an inspiration to many, particularly those with disabilities. Alban plans to open a dedicated armwrestling gym, where he hopes to provide free training to people with disabilities. He believes that his gym will not only promote the sport but also provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to develop their strength and confidence.
Alban's achievement is a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite facing challenges in his daily life, he has never given up on his passion for armwrestling. His story serves as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals. Alban's success has also highlighted the importance of promoting adapted sports and providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate.
As Alban looks to the future, he remains focused on his goals. He plans to continue competing and promoting armwrestling in Madagascar. With his new gym, Alban hopes to inspire a new generation of armwrestlers and provide a platform for people with disabilities to develop their skills and confidence.
Key points
- Sitraka Alban wins two gold medals in para-armwrestling at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana.
