Cindy Ngamba made history by becoming the first member of the Boxing Refugee Team to qualify for the Olympics.
She secured her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics after defeating Valentina Khalova from Kazakhstan in the quarter-finals of the women’s 75kg weight class at the Road to Paris 1st World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Ngamba, originally from Cameroon, relocated to the United Kingdom when she was 11 years old. She is also one of the 70 IOC Refugee Athlete Scholarship recipients.
There are four Olympic spots up for grabs in the weight category, and Ngamba has secured the first one. The other three spots will go to the winners of the other quarter-finals in Busto Arsizio.
The winners will not have to fight again in that tournament as they have already qualified. Ngamba’s chance to participate in the Olympics depends on her selection for the team.
If she is chosen, she will make history as the first female refugee boxer to compete at the Games.
In the last Games in Tokyo in 2021, two refugee fighters, Wessam Salamana and Eldric Sella, represented the Refugee team. However, they were both invited to join the team instead of qualifying through a quota.
“It’s emotional,” Ngamba told Olympics.com afterwards.
“If it wasn’t for the Refugee Team, I would have turned pro or gone on a different journey. They stuck with me and welcomed me like a big family. They love me, care for me, and support me all the way. I want to thank the refugee team for everything they’ve done for me.
“My goal for Paris 2024 is to get a gold medal—or any medal. All I have to do is work hard, mind my business, keep my mind on my job, and I will get it.”
