By Theo Sampah
At just 15, Mohammed Mahadi Abdul Rahman fenced not only for medals, but for history, raising Ghana’s flag with courage, class and conviction in Luanda.
Ghana’s growing footprint at the 2025 Africa Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, received a historic boost as the nation made its maiden appearance in fencing, marking a bold new chapter in Ghanaian sport.
Flying the flag alone was 15-year-old Mohammed Mahadi Abdul Rahman, Ghana’s first-ever fencer to compete at the Africa Youth Games. For the young athlete, the multi-sport continental event was not only his debut at this level but also a personal test of courage, resilience and belief.
Competing in the epee event, Mohammed found himself up against the continent’s finest, battling athletes from over 12 well-established fencing nations. Despite his inexperience on such a grand stage, the young Ghanaian displayed maturity beyond his years—calm under pressure, fearless in execution, and driven by a clear hunger to succeed.
Standing alone on the piste with the Ghana flag on his chest, Mohammed fenced his way impressively through the preliminary rounds into the quarterfinals, capturing the admiration of spectators and officials alike. With his eyes firmly set on a podium finish, he came up against the host nation’s favorite in a tense quarterfinal duel that went down to the wire.
In a heartbreaking but heroic finish, Mohammed lost narrowly 14–15 by a single point—a result that ended his medal hopes but ignited widespread respect.
Though visibly disappointed, his performance spoke louder than the scoreline. Tournament officials commended his composure, technique and fighting spirit, describing his outing as one of the most impressive breakthroughs of the competition. The recognition did not end there, as Mohammed has now been selected into the Olympic Youth athlete pathway, qualifying both by age eligibility and accumulated ranking points—a major milestone for both athlete and country.
His coach, who is also his father, Mohammed Mahadi, expressed pride in his son’s journey, noting that the experience in Luanda has laid a strong foundation for the future.
“The positives we have seen at these Games are very encouraging,” he said. “This is only the beginning. With more work and exposure, we believe Mohammed will be ready for greater challenges ahead.”
From a lone competitor to a symbol of hope, Mohammed Mahadi Abdul Rahman’s performance in Luanda has proven that even a single blade, when guided by determination, can cut a path into history. Ghana’s fencing journey has begun—and its future looks promising.
