ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: ZAMBIAN JUDOKA TAONGA SOKO

From training in secrecy to representing Zambia on some of the world’s biggest sporting stages, Taonga Soko’s journey in judo is a story of resilience, determination, and national pride.

Born on October 16, 1998, Soko began her judo career in 2010 at the age of 12 at Green Buffaloes Judo Club in Arakan Barracks.

Taonga Soko in Judogi (Judo uniform) 

She did her primary and junior secondary education at Libala, from Grade 1 to Grade 9, and later completed her senior secondary education at Arakan Girls Secondary School from Grade 10 to 12.

At the time, she was still trying to figure out who she was and where she fit in. Like many young girls, she was faced with decisions shaped by tradition and expectation.

“My dad did not approve of me joining judo,” Soko said.

“I used to go for training without telling anyone. Then later on I was told I could continue.”

Today, Soko is a household name in Zambian judo, having represented the country in multiple local and international competitions. Her career highlights include a silver medal at the 2015 Region 5 Games in Swaziland in the -57kg category, participation in the 2019 All Africa Games in Morocco, and a gold medal at the 2022 SADC Games hosted in Zambia under the -63kg category.

In the same year, she qualified for and competed in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where she was one of only seven judokas to represent Zambia. Fighting under the -63kg weight class, she described the experience as life-changing.

Taonga Soko at Birmingham 2022

“The experience made me realize that hard work really pays off,” she said.

“It also motivated me to train even harder because if I got here, it means I can achieve greater heights.”

Soko’s most recent appearance was at the 13th edition of the All Africa Games held in Accra, Ghana 2023, where she competed once again in the -63kg category. For her, each event is more than just a competition-it’s a platform to grow and learn from fellow athletes across the globe.

Soko said Interacting with other athletes has helped her understand the sport industry better.

“It has opened my eyes to what is possible with the right mindset and support.” Said Soko.

Driven by core values such as discipline, self-control, determination, self-motivation, and consistency, Soko remains committed to pushing beyond her limits. She continues to train with hopes of improving her performance in future competitions, including the next Commonwealth Games.

With eyes set on the future, she said  her ultimate dream is to represent Zambia at the Olympic Games.

“To qualify for the Olympics-that would be an honour,” Soko said.

Soko encourages aspiring judokas to stay focused and motivated, emphasising that success is determined by one’s mindset.

Taonga Soko in uniform for Zambia Army

“The only limit you have is your mindset,” she said.

As she continues to chase her dreams on the mat, Taonga Soko stands as a role model for many young athletes in Zambia and across Africa-proof that courage, passion, and perseverance can turn humble beginnings into international success.