Portugal was one of the countries that invited boxer David Pina to represent it after Cape Verde won its first Olympic medal in Paris in 2024, but today the athlete assured that he wants to represent the archipelago “until he dies”.
“After our medal, we received offers from many countries who liked our performance in Paris,” the boxer said after the Prime Minister of Cape Verde awarded him the Medal for Sporting Merit, 1st Class, in the city of Praia.
In addition to Portugal, where he has lived for three years, David Pina said he has received offers from Brazil and Uzbekistan, the country of Hasanboy Dusmatov, who defeated him in the semifinals of the 51 kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as from boxing promoters.
“But I am a citizen of Cape Verde until I die,” the athlete stressed after being asked if there were any possibilities of representing the colors of another country if Cape Verde did not create all the conditions necessary to continue training: “I am free, I give my life for Cape Verde.”
David Pina said that, in addition to the athlete’s scholarship, he hopes for sponsorship in the country and a salary of 3,000 thousand euros from Cape Verde in order to dedicate himself exclusively to boxing.
“We are going to put this proposal in writing and I am waiting for a response from the government so that we can continue to bring joy to Cape Verde,” he said in statements following the ceremony at the Government Palace attended by government officials, family, friends, athletes and sports directors.
As for the award, he is “a great honour” to be a son of Cape Verde, a country that he believes has “great potential” in the sport that needs to be further developed.
Cape Verde Prime Minister Ulysses Correia e Silva said the country’s first Olympic medal has “transcendent value” and that the award is recognition of achievements and an incentive for the boxer to continue representing the archipelago.
“Imagine yourself as a champion, a success story, because Cape Verde and the government will continue to count on you, with your strength, intelligence, talent and determination,” he asked.
In addition to the award, 28-year-old David Pina will receive 500,000 escudos (4,534 euros) for winning the medal, as stipulated by the government decree determining the prize system for sports competitions in the country.
Correia e Silva said the athlete’s stipend “will be adjusted” in accordance with the goals set by the athlete and his Portuguese coach Bruno Carvalho for the next competition.
In addition to the government, the prime minister asked for the participation of companies and sponsors to “ensure stability, predictability and conditions” for athletes representing the country in international competitions.
On August 4, David Pina, a native of Santa Cruz, Santiago Island, won the bronze medal in the 51 kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, despite losing in the semi-finals of the competition to Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusmatov, as in boxing the two losers at this stage receive the same medal.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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