Chengdu, China has been a busy spot for Portuguese athletes. On Monday, Pedro Ramalho snagged a silver medal in ju-jitsu. He competed in the 85 kg category. This win pushed Portugal’s total medal count at the World Games to eight. The games are still happening and will wrap up on Sunday.
Ramalho had his eyes on gold in the ne-waza ju-jitsu event. He fought hard but ultimately lost the final. Saeed Alkubaisi from the United Arab Emirates won with a score of 2-0. Still, Ramalho was proud of his effort.
“It’s good to take a medal,” Ramalho shared. His words were on the official website of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP). “But what’s really good is leaving here winning. That wasn’t possible. Still, I’m happy to take a medal for Portugal.”
His journey to the final was impressive. Ramalho beat Hee Seoung Kim from South Korea 2-0 in the group stage. He also took down Nathan dos Santos of Canada, also 2-0, in the same stage. In the semifinals, he submitted Abdullah Nada from Saudi Arabia to secure his spot.
Portugal’s Podium Dreams Keep Coming
Portugal’s sports story at the World Games isn’t just about Ramalho. The men’s beach handball team is also making waves. They are playing for gold on Tuesday. They are guaranteed at least a silver medal, even if they lose to Germany in the final match. The team beat Spain in a nail-biting semifinal. They needed a ‘shoot-out’ to win, finishing 5-2 after both teams split periods.
The women’s beach handball team also had a tough game. They beat Vietnam 12-10 in a tie-breaker. They will play China on Tuesday for fifth place.
In korfball, Portugal faced Germany and lost 22-20. They will compete against China on Tuesday for seventh place.
After five days of competition, Portugal’s medal count stands strong:
- Two gold medals:
- Diana Gago (mini-trampoline double)
- Gabriel Albuquerque and Lucas Santos (synchronized trampoline)
- Three silver medals:
- Lara Fernandes and Guilherme Henriques (acrobatic gymnastics)
- Pedro Ramalho (ju-jitsu)
- Four bronze medals:
- José Ramalho (canoeing, two medals)
- Beatriz Carneiro and Inês Faria (acrobatic gymnastics)
- Miguel Lopes and Gonçalo Parreira (acrobatic gymnastics)
The World Games began last Thursday. They feature sports that are not part of the Olympic Games. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes these sports.