Luanda: The National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team will begin preparations for the African Championship on Wednesday (08), in Luanda. The championship is set to take place from April 30th to May 2nd in South Africa, as informed by the Federation's vice-president, Joo Gabriel, on Monday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the initial training session, which was supposed to start on Monday, was postponed to the 8th due to damage caused by weekend rain in Luanda affecting part of the training area in the Annex II pavilion at the Cidadela. Maintenance technicians were observed working on applying the mat for rhythmic exercises in preparation for the arrival of the national coach, Brazilian Larissa da Silva, who is expected in the country's capital on Tuesday.
For the African Championship, 12 athletes have been called up, with six competing in the individual category and six in the team category. Notably, Luana Gomes stands out as the continental champion in the individual class. The team will also include gymnasts Aysha Morgado, Florªncia Missende, Brgida Gouveia, IvSnovia Carvalho, Risilana Monteiro, Keliana Sambo, Jacira Manuel, F¡tima Lelo, Josefina Manuel, Camila Pereira, and Angelina Madolo.
One of the team's objectives is to maintain the title in the individual class, which was won in 2025 in Egypt, and to aim for the highest number of medals overall. This upcoming event will mark the ninth participation of the national team in the African Championship of rhythmic gymnastics.